FC 26 Starter Teams: The Best Hidden Gems for Every Position
When a new EA FC game drops, the first two weeks are crucial. FC 26 Coins are scarce, the transfer market is chaotic, and every decision you make about your starter squad can set the tone for your season. Picking the wrong players can leave you struggling in Division Rivals, but identifying early hidden gems-the players who perform far better than their price tag-can give you an instant edge.
In FC 26, pace and defensive awareness remain the cornerstones of building a competitive squad. Forget the misinformation about "acceleration types" and the so-called lengthy meta. Sprint speed has always been the defining stat for players running in behind or chasing down attackers. With that in mind, let's break down the best cheap FC 26 players for every position that you should target on day one.
Center Backs: Sprint Speed Meets Strength
Defenders are usually the most expensive part of any starter squad because players know how valuable they are in early matchmaking. Luckily, FC 26 has a handful of budget beasts that will cost you less than 10K while still locking down your defense.
Saúl Coco (La Liga, 76 rated)
One of the biggest surprises this year. With 89 sprint speed, 81 strength, and 77 aggression, Coco is built for chasing down attackers. Add 88 jumping and you've got a defender who can also compete in the air. His 75 stamina isn't elite, but it won't matter since he rarely pushes forward. Apply a Shadow chemistry style and Coco instantly becomes one of the best under-2K center backs in the game.
Moïse Bombito (Ligue 1, 76 rated)
This card is going to be everywhere in the first week. With 93 sprint speed and 79 standing tackle, Bombito is exactly what you need in a budget Ligue 1 squad. For around 1K coins, he's as close to a cheat code as you'll get early on.
Maxence Lacroix (Premier League, 79 rated)
A familiar name in the community, Lacroix has been a meta favorite for years, and FC 26 is no different. With 93 sprint speed, 80 defensive awareness, and solid physicality, he's an auto-include in most Premier League starter squads. Expect him to hover around 5–8K in the first few days.
Edmond Tapsoba (Bundesliga, 82 rated)
More of a mid-tier option, Tapsoba blends 86 sprint speed with elite 87 defensive awareness. With an Anchor, he can last you until November or even later if you manage your squad well.
Ousmane Koussounou (Premier League, 77 rated)
A sleeper pick. With 90 sprint speed and decent defensive stats, he offers a cheap way into Premier League squads. He won't last as long as Lacroix, but for pure pace early on, he's a bargain.
The rule here is simple: pace plus defensive awareness equals meta. Players like Agadou (with 90 strength and 89 jumping) are also worth testing if you prefer a more physical playstyle.
Fullbacks: Pace Rules All
If center backs are about awareness and strength, fullbacks are all about one thing-pace. No matter what others say, the fastest fullbacks will always outperform slower "defensive specialists."
Ridle Baku (Bundesliga, 82 rated)
With 90 sprint speed and stamina to burn, Baku is tailor-made for bombing up and down the pitch. His defending isn't perfect, but you don't need perfect-just someone who can recover when wingers sprint in behind.
Leonardo Spinazzola (Serie A, 82 rated)
A fan-favorite, Spinazzola combines 86 sprint speed with decent defending. His stamina is weak, but for the price he'll get the job done. Expect him to dominate Serie A starter squads.
Ola Aina (Premier League, 78 rated)
With 87 sprint speed and the ability to play both left and right back, Aina is one of the most versatile budget defenders in FC 26. His physicality gives him the edge over smaller fullbacks.
Destiny Udogie (Premier League, 81 rated)
Already well-known, so he might be pricier than others. Still, with pace, balance, and defensive stability, Udogie is a safe investment for a couple of months.
Olga Carmona (PSG, 81 rated)
One of the best women's options this year. With 88 sprint speed and solid dribbling, she offers attacking threat and defensive reliability. Playing for PSG makes her easy to link as well.
At fullback, don't overthink it-pick the players with the highest pace you can afford, then slap a Shadow on them.
Midfielders: Versatility is King
A great midfield balances defense, passing, and the ability to contribute to attacks. The best starter mids aren't the flashy ones-they're the ones who can do everything decently well.
Denis Zakaria (Ligue 1, 81 rated)
A yearly favorite. With 86 sprint speed, 81 defensive awareness, and elite physicality, Zakaria is a rock at CDM. He can also fill in at CM, giving you flexibility for early formations.
Kouadio Koné (Bundesliga, 80 rated)
A classic box-to-box option. Good pace, great stamina, and solid defensive stats. He's not flashy, but he'll win you games in a two-man midfield.Andrine Hegerberg (Division 1 Féminine, 84 rated)
Criminally underrated. With 88 dribbling, excellent passing, and solid defending, she's one of the best budget CMs in the game. Her low stamina is a drawback, but subbing her out at 70 minutes solves that problem.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Serie A, 81 rated)
The definition of versatile. Can play CDM, CM, or CAM. With good strength, solid passing, and the ability to contribute on both ends, Loftus-Cheek is a must-try for Serie A squads.
Crystal Dunn (PSG, 83 rated)
Another underrated option. Though her defensive awareness was slightly nerfed, Dunn remains a brilliant two-way midfielder with pace, agility, and passing ability.
Early in the cycle, midfielders with stamina and sprint speed dominate games. Look for players who can play multiple positions, since that flexibility makes squad building much easier.
Wingers: The Pace-and-Dribble Formula
On the wings, you want players who can burn past defenders and deliver either a cutback or a shot. Finishing matters less than pure pace and dribbling.
Pedro Neto (Premier League, 81 rated)
With 90 sprint speed, good agility, and a 4/4 skill-move and weak-foot combo, Neto is tailor-made for early Premier League squads. Expect him to be one of the most popular wingers in week one.
Noni Madueke (Premier League, 79 rated)
Another budget option. With 91 sprint speed and 85 agility, he can play both wings. His finishing isn't elite, but with a Finisher chemistry style, he becomes deadly.
Geyse (Liga F, 82 rated)
A Brazilian speedster with 91 sprint speed and 92 agility, she's perfect for hybrid squads. Combine her with Martinelli and you've got an unstoppable Brazilian link.
Cloe Lacasse (WSL, 82 rated)
A women's league standout with 90 sprint speed and excellent stamina. If you're looking for value outside the big leagues, Lacasse is the perfect pick.
Thompson (NWSL, 80 rated)
With pace and finishing, she's another hidden gem for starter squads. Great option if you want to experiment with women's league squads.
Wingers live and die by pace. If they can also shoot or cross, that's a bonus, but the first priority is beating fullbacks off the dribble.
Strikers: Clinical Finishing on a Budget
The most fun position to shop for. Strikers in FC 26 come in all styles-speed demons, physical tanks, or clinical finishers. The trick is finding the ones who combine multiple attributes without breaking the bank.
Iñaki Williams (La Liga, 81 rated)
Every year, Williams is a must-have starter striker. With 94 sprint speed, 82 finishing, and elite stamina, he's the perfect run-in-behind forward.
Moise Kean (Serie A, 83 rated)
With 88 finishing and 87 sprint speed, Kean is a powerhouse in the box. His 3/3 weak foot and skills hold him back, but as a poacher he's deadly.
Vivianne Asseyi (WSL, 83 rated)
A physical beast with 90 sprint speed, 86 finishing, 93 stamina, and 90 strength. She combines pace and power in a way few budget strikers can.
Dovbyk (La Liga, 82 rated)
A taller striker with 86 finishing and 86 sprint speed. If you prefer a target man who can also run, he's a smart pick.
Donyell Malen (Bundesliga, 82 rated)
Known for his agility and burst, Malen is a brilliant option for players who like skill moves and dribbling.
The rule for strikers is simple: prioritize finishing and sprint speed. Players like Kean and Asseyi might lack flashy skills, but they'll score the goals that matter in early Rivals and Champs.
Final Thoughts: Building Your Day-One Squad
When FC 26 launches, every coin matters. That's why identifying the hidden gems early is the best way to stay ahead of the curve. Players like Bombito, Pedro Neto, and Zakaria will dominate starter squads, while picks like Saúl Coco or Moise Kean give you budget-friendly alternatives to overpriced meta cards.
The formula for success hasn't changed: pace + defensive awareness in the back, versatility in midfield, and sprint speed + finishing up top. Stick to that blueprint and you'll dominate the early weeks of FC 26 without spending a fortune.
MMOexp FC 26 Team