FC 26 Base Icon Matchday Pick: Who Should You Choose?

EA has released another upgrade SBC in FC 26 Ultimate Team: the Base Icon Matchday Pick. Just like the recent Base Hero Matchday Pick, this SBC gives you the chance to choose from three Base Icons, but the selection is limited and not top-tier. This time, the options are: Paul Scholes, Fernando Hierro, and Luis Hernández.

Before choosing, let's break down SBC cost, card profiles, and practical usability in matches.

Base Icon Matcheday Pick SBC Cost & Pack Returns

To complete the Base Icon Matchday Pick, you'll need to complete 3 squads.

• 83 Rated + 1 TOTW
• 84 Rated Squad
• 86 Rated Squad

The total cost sits around 100K~110K FC 26 coins depending on market fluctuations. You might recover 5–10K from the packs if you get lucky, but the main value here comes from the Icon selection itself.

If you're looking to complete the SBC efficiently, some players use reliable coin platforms like M8X (formerly FIFACOIN) to quickly gather coins and build squads. This can save time on the market while still letting you enjoy the SBC rewards.

1. Paul Scholes (CM)

• Market Value: ~120K–130K
• Skill Moves / Weak Foot: 3★ / 4★
• Playstyles: Playmaker+, Incisive Pass, Long Ball Pass, Tiki Taka, Technical

Scholes offers elite-level passing, particularly when dictating play from deep or as forward support in possession-oriented systems. His playstyles make him feel like a true controller of tempo.

Pros:

• Excellent passing vision and short-long distribution.
• Good ball control in tight spaces.
• Works well in possession-focused squads.

Cons:

• Lacks pace, making it tough in transition defense.
• Not physical enough to dominate in midfield duels.
• Struggles to cover ground in fast meta formations.

Best Use:

If you enjoy slower buildup, midfield triangles, and controlled play, Scholes can be effective. But in the current fast-paced meta, he often feels one step behind.

2. Luis Hernández (ST)

• Market Value: ~130–140K
• Work Rates: High/Medium
• Skill Moves / Weak Foot: 4★ / 3★
• Playstyles: First Touch+, Rapid, Low Driven, Game Changer, Chip Shot

Luis Hernández offers explosive acceleration, sharp dribbling, and excellent finishing inside the box. His agility and responsiveness make him extremely useful in tight areas, especially against teams sitting deep.

Pros:

• Good pace and acceleration to beat defenders.
• Sharp finishing inside the box.
• Ideal for counter-attacking strategies.

Cons:

• Passing and link-up play are limited.
• Strength and stamina are not top tier.
• Performs best when used as a pure finisher, not a creator.

Best Use:

Hernández suits players who love fast breaks, through balls, and a simple "get the ball to the striker and shoot" approach. If your attack relies on hold-up play, he may not be your best choice.

3. Robert Pires (LM/RM/CAM)

• Market Value: ~150K–160K
• Skill Moves / Weak Foot: 4★ / 4★
• Playstyles: Finesse Shot+, Incisive Pass, Inventive, Technical, Quick Step

Pires offers versatility, strong passing quality, and one of the best offensive playstyles in early FC 26: Finesse Shot+. This makes him a real scoring threat from outside the box, especially if goalkeeper movement continues to be patched down.

Pros:

• Finesse Shot+ makes him a real shooting danger from the edge
• Can play LM, RM, or CAM depending on formation needs
• French nationality = excellent chemistry flexibility
• 4★/4★ makes him comfortable on both feet

Cons:

• His agility and balance are noticeably low
• At 6'2, turning can feel heavy without an Engine chem style
• Best used in possession or slow buildup systems—not fast break counter meta

Best Use:

Robert Pires fits naturally into your system if you prefer to build attacks patiently and focus on technical play. He is also very effective at supporting a fast striker during offensive transitions.

Best Base Icon Matchday Pick Recommendation

If you plan to complete this SBC, here is the recommended ranking:

• No.1 Robert Pires: Most flexible, fits multiple roles, has Finesse Shot+, and provides the highest long-term value.
• No.2 Luis Hernández: Strong choice if your attack depends on pace and direct finishing.
• No.3 Paul Scholes: Good passer but limited by the current gameplay speed and defensive demands.

However, if you are saving coins for future SBCs or waiting for stronger Icon releases, skipping this SBC is also reasonable. These Icons are decent, but not game-changing.