FC 26 ICON Swaps Are Back: How to Earn Tokens, Complete Objectives, and Unlock Legendary ICONs
EA FC 26 brings back one of the most popular Ultimate Team systems ever created: ICON Swaps. This fan-favorite feature rewards consistent play, smart squad building, and long-term planning with some of the most iconic footballers in history. Whether you're a casual Ultimate Team grinder or a hardcore completionist, ICON Swaps offers clear goals, meaningful rewards, and huge squad-building potential.
With the first batch of 10 tokens available now, this guide breaks down exactly how ICON Swaps work in FC 26, how to earn tokens efficiently, and how to decide which rewards are worth your grind.
What Are ICON Swaps in FC 26?
ICON Swaps is a token-based reward system in Ultimate Team. Instead of relying purely on pack luck, players complete themed Objectives to earn ICON Swap Tokens. These tokens can then be exchanged through Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) for:
Guaranteed ICON players
ICON Player Picks
High-value packs
Evolutions and position modifiers
"Create Your Own ICON" SBCs
The system runs in two main phases, each offering 10 earnable tokens, for a total of 20 ICON Swap Tokens.
ICON Swaps Timeline and Structure
ICON Swaps in FC 26 is split into two clear windows:
Phase 1: January 30 - February 20
10 of 20 total tokens available
Early access to packs, lower-cost ICONs, and position modifiers
Ideal for players who want fast returns or pack value
Phase 2: February 20 - March 13
Remaining 10 tokens released
High-tier ICONs and premium Player Picks unlocked
Best rewards require long-term planning and full participation
This staggered approach rewards players who stay active across multiple weeks rather than rushing everything in one sitting.
How to Earn ICON Swap Tokens
Earning tokens is straightforward, but it requires focused gameplay.
1. Complete Themed Objectives
Each token is tied to specific Objective sets, usually involving:
Playing with squads from certain leagues or nations
Using First Owner players
Completing matches in Squad Battles, Rivals, or Champions
Winning matches on minimum difficulty levels
These objectives are designed to be grind-friendly, especially in Squad Battles, making ICON Swaps accessible even for casual players.
2. No Packs Required
ICON Swap Tokens are not pack-based. Every token is earned through gameplay, ensuring fairness and progression without spending FC 26 coins or FIFA Points.
3. Tokens Are Non-Tradable
Once earned, tokens stay in your club and can only be used in ICON Swaps SBCs. Spend them wisely.
ICON Swaps Rewards Breakdown (Phase 1 Highlights)
The first phase focuses on value, flexibility, and early upgrades.
Low-Token Rewards (1-3 Tokens)
Perfect for players who want quick returns:
25x 82+ Rare Gold Players Pack (1 Token)
20x 84+ Rare Gold Players Pack (2 Tokens)
CAM Position Modifier + Role++ for any ICON (3 Tokens)
ICON Swaps Xabi Alonso (3 Tokens)
These options are great if you want fodder for SBCs or early squad upgrades.
Mid-Tier Rewards (4-7 Tokens)
Balanced options for progression:
Create Your Own ICON (1 PS ICON) - 4 Tokens
ICON Swaps Buffon (5 Tokens)
Tiki Taka+ Role for any ICON (Second PS+) - 5 Tokens
25x 86+ Rare Gold Players Pack (6 Tokens)
ICON Swaps Zambrotta (7 Tokens)
These rewards suit players who want reliable ICONs that can start immediately in competitive squads.
ICON Swaps Rewards Breakdown (Phase 2 Highlights)
The second phase introduces elite-level rewards for committed grinders.
High-Value Picks and ICONs
89+ Campaign ICON Pick (8 Tokens, 1 of 3)
ICON Swaps Stoichkov (9 Tokens)
90+ Campaign ICON Pick (10 Tokens, 1 of 3)
Create Your Own ICON (2 PS ICON) - 10 Tokens
These options offer flexibility and the chance at top-tier players without pure pack randomness.
Premium ICON Rewards
For players who save tokens across both phases:
ICON Swaps Cantona (11 Tokens)
91+ Campaign ICON Pick (13 Tokens, 1 of 3)
ICON Swaps Rio Ferdinand (14 Tokens)
93+ Campaign ICON Pick (17 Tokens, 1 of 3)
ICON Swaps Ronaldo (19 Tokens)
These are endgame-level ICONs, capable of carrying squads through Weekend League and high-division Rivals.
Best Strategy: How to Spend Your Tokens
Choosing the right reward depends on your playstyle and patience.
Casual Players
Focus on packs and mid-tier ICONs
Spend tokens early to upgrade your squad faster
Ideal rewards: 84+ / 86+ packs, Xabi Alonso, Buffon
Competitive Players
Save tokens for guaranteed elite ICONs
Plan for 11-14 token rewards like Cantona or Ferdinand
Use early fodder packs to complete SBCs
High-Risk, High-Reward Players
Go for Campaign ICON Player Picks
Best chance to hit a meta ICON without full 19-token commitment
Requires patience and full token completion
Why ICON Swaps Matter in FC 26
ICON Swaps isn't just content-it's a long-term engagement system that rewards:
Consistent play
Smart planning
Squad variety
Skill over spending
It keeps Ultimate Team fresh, gives free-to-play users real power, and creates meaningful goals beyond Weekend League rewards.
Final Thoughts
ICON Swaps in EA FC 26 strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and prestige. With 20 total tokens, a wide range of rewards, and guaranteed ICON paths, this mode rewards commitment without forcing pay-to-win mechanics.
Start earning your first 10 tokens now, plan your reward path carefully, and decide early whether you're chasing fodder, flexibility, or football immortality. Because when ICON Swaps is live, every match matters-and legends are only a few tokens away.
MMOexp FC 26 Team