Summary
This guide details how to unlock EA FC 26's 97-rated FUTTIES Marco Reus via the FUTTIES Favourite: Reus objective. Players need to score across 60 matches with 3+ FUTTIES starters in four progressive stages with valuable untradeable packs. Gamers can obtain required FUTTIES players via SBCs, Token Store and season rewards, and buy FC 26 Coins to speed up squad building. The fastest grind uses daily Sudden Death Showdown, supplemented by Squad Battles, Rivals or Champions. Boasting elite attacking stats, five-star skills and great meta fit, Reus is well worth the limited-time effort for most players.
The FUTTIES promo in EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Team continues to deliver high-rated special cards, and one of the standout rewards right now is the 97-rated FUTTIES Marco Reus. This special item is available through a dedicated objective set called FUTTIES Favourite: Reus. Completing it requires commitment, but the payoff includes the player himself plus a series of valuable untradeable packs.
In this guide we break down exactly what you need to do, the best ways to progress efficiently, how to secure the required FUTTIES players, and why this card is worth the grind for many squads.
What Is the FUTTIES Favourite: Reus Objective?
The objective challenges players to score in a total of 60 separate matches while fielding a minimum of three FUTTIES players in the starting XI. These matches can be played in Squad Battles (minimum Semi-Pro difficulty), Rivals, Champions, or Live Events.
The challenge is split into four progressive stages, each with its own pack reward. All rewards are untradeable. Completing the final stage also awards the 97 FUTTIES Reus card.
Here is the full breakdown:
Lock In: Score in 15 separate matches with at least three FUTTIES players in the starting XI. Reward: 6x 85+ Rare Gold Players Pack.
Momentum: Score in 30 separate matches under the same conditions. Reward: 10x 86+ Rare Gold Players Pack.
Determination: Score in 45 separate matches. Reward: 6x 88+ Rare Gold Players Pack.
The Final Hurdle: Score in 60 separate matches. Reward: 7x 89+ Rare Gold Players Pack plus the 97 FUTTIES Reus.
The objective has a limited window, typically lasting several weeks from the date it goes live. Checking the in-game objectives menu or reliable trackers is essential to confirm the exact remaining time.
Meet the 97 FUTTIES Marco Reus
Marco Reus arrives as a Central Attacking Midfielder with an overall rating of 97. His key stats are highly impressive for the position:
Pace: 93
Shooting: 99
Passing: 92
Dribbling: 95
Defending: 72
Physical: 85
He features five-star skill moves and a four-star weak foot, with a preferred right foot and Controlled acceleration type. Standing at 5'11", the German can link easily into many meta squads thanks to his strong attacking attributes and solid physical presence.
The card shines as a creative force behind the strikers or as a free-roaming CAM. The elite shooting and dribbling make him a constant threat in and around the box, while the high pace helps him stay relevant in the current gameplay meta.
Getting Three FUTTIES Players Into Your Starting XI
The biggest initial barrier for many players is simply owning three FUTTIES items. Fortunately, there are multiple accessible routes:
Several SBCs frequently feature FUTTIES players or count toward the requirement. Popular options around the time of the objective include items such as Di Natale and Foden. Completing these SBCs not only gives you usable cards but also progresses other objectives.
The FUTTIES Token Store is another excellent source. Tokens earned from gameplay, weekly objectives, and other promo content can be spent on packs or individual players that count as FUTTIES. Some stores offer team packs or specific high-rated options at reasonable token costs.
Additional free or low-effort methods include certain Evolution paths, Season Pass rewards (such as specific levels that grant FUTTIES items), daily login completionist rewards, and other promotional cards that carry the FUTTIES designation. Even some lower-rated or special versions can satisfy the three-player minimum as long as they are officially tagged as FUTTIES.
Building a functional squad around these players does not require elite chemistry from day one. Focus first on getting three into the starting XI, then improve the rest of the team over time. For players looking to accelerate squad building, managing your FC 26 Coins effectively becomes important. Having a healthy coin balance allows you to pick up missing links, chemistry styles, or cheap high-rated fillers from the transfer market while you grind the objective.
Fastest Ways to Complete the 60 Matches
Playing 60 full matches sounds daunting, but smart game-mode selection dramatically reduces the time investment.
The standout method is the Sudden Death Showdown, the penalty-based Live Event mode. Scoring just one penalty in a match counts toward the objective. Players can typically complete up to 12 of these matches per day in a very short window-often around five minutes of active play for a full set of 12. Returning daily to clear the available slots is the single most efficient strategy currently available.
Squad Battles on Semi-Pro or higher difficulty remains a reliable alternative, especially when combined with other objectives. Many players set up a strong squad and play on a difficulty that allows consistent scoring without excessive time per match.
Rivals and Champions matches also count and can be efficient if you are already grinding those modes for weekly rewards or qualification. Live Events beyond Sudden Death may offer additional opportunities depending on the current rotation.
Combining methods works well. Use the daily Sudden Death allocation for quick progress, then fill remaining matches through Squad Battles or Rivals while completing parallel objectives that reward packs, XP, or more FUTTIES content.
Tips for Efficient Progress and Squad Management
Consistency matters more than marathon sessions. Aiming for 10–15 matches per day keeps the grind manageable and aligns well with daily Sudden Death refreshes.
While completing the Reus objective, look for overlapping challenges. Many other FUTTIES-related objectives require scoring, assisting, or winning matches with FUTTIES players. Stacking these multiplies your rewards.
Chemistry and team chemistry styles help but are secondary to simply fielding the three required players and scoring. Once you have a functional side, you can gradually upgrade surrounding players.
If your club is short on resources, consider targeted market activity. A smart approach to buy FC 26 Coins from reputable sources can provide the liquidity needed to complete SBCs faster, purchase key chemistry links, or refresh your squad without waiting for pack luck. Always prioritise official or well-reviewed channels and stay within EA's terms of service.
Track your progress carefully in the objectives menu. The stages unlock sequentially, so there is clear feedback as you hit 15, 30, 45, and finally 60.
Is FUTTIES Reus Worth the Effort?
For many players the answer is yes. A 97-rated CAM with 99 shooting, 95 dribbling, five-star skills, and strong pace offers immediate impact in most formations. The accompanying packs (especially the higher-rated ones) provide additional high-rated fodder or potential usable players, helping with future SBCs and evolutions.
The time investment is real, but the existence of the Sudden Death method makes the objective far more accessible than a pure 60-match Squad Battles grind would have been. Players who already engage with Live Events or daily content will find the progress relatively natural.
Those with limited playtime can still complete it by focusing on the daily penalty matches and spacing the remaining games across Squad Battles sessions.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Unlocking the 97 FUTTIES Reus is one of the clearer high-value objectives in the current FUTTIES cycle. Secure three FUTTIES players through SBCs, the Token Store, or other free methods, then prioritise Sudden Death Showdown matches each day while topping up with Squad Battles or Rivals as needed.
Keep an eye on the remaining time on the objective and continue stacking complementary challenges for maximum efficiency. With a structured approach, most dedicated players can finish well before the deadline and add a potent attacking midfielder to their club.Whether you are a casual player looking for a strong new CAM or a competitive grinder chasing every promo item, this objective delivers solid rewards for the effort required. Jump into Ultimate Team, lock in those three FUTTIES players, and start scoring. The 97 Reus is waiting.
