FC 26 Summer Stars Release Date & Leaks: Expected Players, Rewards, SBCs and Preparation Guide

FC 26 Summer Stars launches on July 17, 2026, as the final Festival of Football promo before FUTTIES. The event is expected to feature elite performers such as Mbappé, Haaland, Messi, and Bellingham. This guide explains the release date, leaked players, expected content, top cards, and preparation methods.

FC 26 Summer Stars Release Date

EA has confirmed that FC 26 Summer Stars begins on Friday, July 17, 2026, following the usual Ultimate Team content update schedule at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST.

The promo replaces Phenoms and serves as the final Festival of Football campaign before FUTTIES arrives later in July. Like previous Ultimate Team events, Summer Stars is expected to remain available for around one week before the next major promotion begins. During this limited period, players who plan to complete SBCs, upgrade squads, or sign special cards may consider strategies such as buy FC 26 Coins to prepare enough resources for the event.

Because this is the closing chapter of Festival of Football, Summer Stars is expected to introduce some of the strongest special cards released before the annual FUTTIES event. Players looking to improve their squads will likely have one final opportunity to obtain premium Festival of Football items.

What Is FC 26 Summer Stars?

FC 26 Summer Stars celebrates the biggest performances from this summer’s international football competitions. While the previous Phenoms promo focused on young talents and rising stars, Summer Stars is expected to highlight established players who performed at the highest level.

The event should feature upgraded cards across multiple positions, including elite attackers, creative midfielders, defensive specialists, and top goalkeepers. Unlike earlier Festival of Football campaigns with narrower themes, Summer Stars is expected to offer a wider selection of players suitable for different squad styles.

Expected Summer Stars content includes:

· Special Summer Stars player cards

· Squad Building Challenges (SBCs)

· Objectives

· Evolution content

· Upgrade Packs

· Player Picks

Since Summer Stars arrives just before FUTTIES, many players expect it to include some of the highest-rated cards available during the FC 26 cycle.

FC 26 Summer Stars Leaked Players and Ratings

The complete Summer Stars squad has not been officially revealed by EA. However, community leaks have already suggested several major players who could appear in the promo.

Current leaked names include:

· Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid, France, ST, expected 98 rating

· Erling Haaland – Manchester City, Norway, ST, expected 98 rating

· Lionel Messi – Inter Miami, Argentina, CAM, expected 98 rating

· Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid, England, CAM, expected 98 rating

· Ousmane Dembélé – PSG, France, ST, expected 98 rating

· Harry Kane – Bayern Munich, England, ST, expected 98 rating

· Vozinha – Cape Verde, GK, expected 98 rating

· Leandro Trossard – Arsenal, Belgium, LW, expected 97 rating

· Michael Olise – Bayern Munich, France, RW, expected 97 rating

· Pedro Porro – Tottenham Hotspur, Spain, RB, expected 96 rating

· Andreas Schjelderup – Benfica, Norway, LW, expected 96 rating

· Mikel Merino – Arsenal, Spain, CM, expected 96 rating

These players and ratings are based on unofficial community leaks. EA has not confirmed the final Summer Stars squad, official ratings, PlayStyles+, or card designs. More information may appear before launch, but the official reveal will remain the only confirmed source.

Expected Summer Stars Card Features

Although EA has not announced the complete details, Summer Stars is expected to follow the structure used throughout Festival of Football.

Players can likely expect:

· Premium Summer Stars player items

· Multiple PlayStyle+ abilities on top-rated cards

· Daily SBC releases

· New Objectives

· Upgrade Packs

· Player Pick rewards

· Additional Evolution content

The strongest Summer Stars cards could become some of the most valuable additions to Ultimate Team squads before FUTTIES introduces its collection of fan-favorite re-releases.

Best FC 26 Summer Stars Players to Watch

Several leaked players already look like potential meta options.

Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé is expected to be one of the biggest attractions of the promo. If his leaked 98-rated card is accurate, he could become one of the most complete attacking players in FC 26. His combination of speed, finishing, and movement would make him dangerous against any defense.

Erling Haaland

Haaland’s strength, shooting, and aerial ability already make him one of the most effective strikers in Ultimate Team. A Summer Stars upgrade could push him even further, creating one of the most dominant attacking cards before FUTTIES.

Lionel Messi

Messi remains one of the best technical players in FC 26 because of his elite dribbling, passing, and finesse shooting. His leaked Summer Stars version could become a top choice for players who prefer creative attacking styles.

Jude Bellingham

Bellingham offers one of the most balanced midfield profiles in Ultimate Team. His physical presence, defensive ability, and attacking contribution allow him to fit into almost any formation.

Ousmane Dembélé

Dembélé is expected to attract huge attention because of his pace, five-star skill moves, and outstanding dribbling. If his leaked card becomes official, he could quickly become one of the most popular attackers in the game.

How to Prepare for FC 26 Summer Stars

Preparation is important because major promos often create large changes in the Ultimate Team market.

Save Your Best Packs

Players who want to pack Summer Stars items should save their highest-value packs until the promo begins. Opening packs before July 17 means missing the chance to receive the new special cards.

Keep Coins Available

The market usually changes dramatically during major promotions. Keeping enough FC 26 Coins allows players to react quickly when prices drop, complete SBCs, and purchase newly released players at better values.

Store High-Rated Fodder

Premium SBCs are expected during Summer Stars. Keeping high-rated players available in your club can reduce the cost of completing expensive challenges once they arrive.

Avoid Spending Based Only on Leaks

Leaks can provide useful information, but player ratings, positions, and availability can change before release. Waiting for official confirmation is the safest approach before making expensive market decisions.

Watch the Market After Release

The first 24 to 48 hours after a major promo often create some of the biggest price movements. Players who want to buy Summer Stars cards directly may find better opportunities after the initial hype decreases.

Final Thoughts

FC 26 Summer Stars looks set to be one of the biggest Ultimate Team promotions of the summer. As the final Festival of Football event before FUTTIES, it could deliver some of the highest-rated and most desirable cards in the FC 26 cycle. Players looking to complete SBCs, sign new stars, and take advantage of market opportunities should prepare enough resources, with cheap FC 26 Coins helping build more flexibility during the promo.

Although leaked players such as Mbappé, Haaland, Messi, Bellingham, and Dembélé have created major excitement, players should wait for EA’ official reveal before making major transfer decisions. Saving packs, preparing SBC materials, and maintaining enough coins will give players the best chance to take advantage of everything Summer Stars has to offer.