FC 26 Pre-Season Batch 1 Is Coming Soon: Best Cards, SBCs & Release Schedule

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FC 26 Pre-Season Batch 1 is coming with top FUTTIES cards, returning promo stars, and new SBC and Objective players. From 99-rated Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Van Dijk to Yamal, Pedri, and Messi, players should prepare their fodder and resources, and those looking to strengthen their squads can also consider buy Fut Coins before the event begins on August 28, 2026.

When Will Pre-Season Batch 1 Arrive?

The first Best Of Pre-Season Batch is expected to run from August 28 to September 4, 2026. Instead of introducing an entirely new traditional promo, EA is expected to bring back some of the strongest cards from previous campaigns.

The schedule is straightforward:

· Start: August 28, 2026

· End: September 4, 2026

· Pack refresh: 6 PM BST / 10 AM PT

· Main sources: Packs, SBCs, and Objectives

· Featured cards: FUTTIES, FUTTIES Icons/Heroes, and Summer Stars

This makes the period particularly valuable for players who want to strengthen their Ultimate Team before the transition to FC 27.

Best Of Pre-Season Batch 1 Pack Cards

The leaked pack selection contains several elite-level cards. Players should pay particular attention to the 99-rated FUTTIES items because they can immediately improve almost any squad. If you need additional resources to build around these premium cards or complete related content, you can buy FC 26 Coins to give your squad-building plans more flexibility.

Icons and Heroes

The standout returning cards reportedly include:

· Diego Maradona – 99 FUTTIES

· Ronaldinho – 99 FUTTIES

· Thierry Henry – 99 FUTTIES

· Marcelo – 99 FUTTIES

· Mia Hamm – 99 FUTTIES

· Nemanja Vidić – 98 FUTTIES 

· David Ginola – 98 FUTTIES

· Zlatan Ibrahimović – 98 FUTTIES

· Eden Hazard – 98 FUTTIES

· Homare Sawa – 98 FUTTIES

These cards offer excellent options across attacking, midfield, and defensive positions. If you already have strong chemistry links, prioritize cards that provide the biggest upgrade rather than simply selecting the highest rating.

Active Player Cards

The active-player selection is equally impressive, with several 98- and 99-rated FUTTIES items expected to return.

Notable names include:

· Luka Modrić – 99 FUTTIES

· Florian Wirtz – 99 FUTTIES

· Virgil van Dijk – 99 FUTTIES

· Claudia Pina – 99 FUTTIES

· Temwa Chawinga – 98 FUTTIES

· Paul Pogba – 98 FUTTIES

· Joshua Kimmich – 98 FUTTIES

· Gabriel Magalhães – 98 FUTTIES

· Ewa Pajor – 98 FUTTIES

· Klara Bühl – 98 FUTTIES

· Luis Díaz – 98 FUTTIES

· Federico Valverde – 98 FUTTIES

When building a squad during this period, compare PlayStyles, positions, pace, and defensive or attacking attributes instead of relying only on overall rating. A 98-rated player who perfectly fits your formation can be more useful than a 99-rated card that forces tactical compromises.

SBC and Objective Players

Pre-Season Batch 1 will not be limited to packs. Several leaked players are expected to return through SBCs and Objectives, giving players alternative ways to obtain premium cards without depending entirely on pack luck.

The reported selection includes:

· Elliot Anderson – FUTTIES

· Franz Beckenbauer – FUTTIES ICON

· Yan Diomande – FUTTIES

· Maxence Lacroix – FUTTIES

· Lamine Yamal – Summer Stars Winners

· Pedri – Summer Stars Winners

· Sandro Tonali – FUTTIES

· Lionel Messi – Summer Stars

Among these, Beckenbauer, Yamal, Pedri, and Messi deserve particular attention because of their potential value to competitive squads.

How to Prepare for Batch 1

Before the event arrives, avoid spending every resource immediately. Instead, use a simple preparation strategy:

1. Save high-value fodder for attractive SBCs.

2. Check Objectives first because they can provide strong cards without requiring Coins.

3. Compare returning cards with your current starting XI before completing expensive SBCs.

4. Use duplicate players efficiently through SBCs rather than discarding valuable fodder.

5. Monitor the daily refresh because the available cards are expected to change on September 4.

The Pre-Season period is also an ideal time to complete unfinished Ultimate Team objectives and convert unused resources into useful rewards.

Final Preparation Tips

FC 26 Pre-Season Batch 1 is expected to provide one of the final opportunities to acquire elite cards before attention shifts fully toward FC 27. With 99-rated FUTTIES stars, returning Icons and Heroes, plus new SBC and Objective options, players should prioritize efficient resource management and target cards that genuinely improve their squads. For those looking to strengthen their club during this final phase, cheap FIFA 26 Coins can also provide additional flexibility when managing squad upgrades and resources.