FC 26 Daily News: Ultimate Trials, Hero Leaks, and Tournament Strategies

With the pace of FC 26 updates accelerating, players are flooded with new content every day. From SBC challenges and tournament modes to evolution tasks and hero card leaks, the amount of information can be overwhelming. This article breaks down the latest updates and provides an in-depth analysis of their impact, helping you decide where to spend your resources and how to approach upcoming challenges strategically.

SBC Player Challenges

Two cards dominate the latest SBC release: Nico Pass and Goretzka.

Nico Pass, priced at around 29,800 FC 26 coins, requires four squads rated 84, 83, 82, and 81. On the surface, the card looks attractive thanks to a number of valuable traits such as Finesse Shot, Outside Foot, Set Piece Specialist, and Playmaker. These features, combined with solid passing and dribbling stats, make him a serviceable CAM. However, limitations quickly become apparent. He is locked at three-star skill moves and a three-star weak foot, which reduces flexibility in attack. His finishing stat sits at only 80, so even with a chemistry boost, he cannot serve as a reliable goalscorer. Chemistry also presents an issue, since his club is one of the less popular teams in Serie A. While the card’s price is affordable, it is not a must-complete SBC. Serie A fans may find value here, but most players can safely skip.

By contrast, Goretzka’s SBC sits at around 70,000 FC 26 coins and requires an 85-rated squad at the top end. The German midfielder has always been known as a balanced box-to-box option, and this card emphasizes that strength with a noticeable pace boost. His distribution of stats makes him reliable in either central or defensive midfield, and he comes with a wider array of traits than his gold version. Yet the downside is clear: his base gold card, once upgraded through evolutions, reaches a very similar level at a fraction of the price. For managers already running a Bundesliga setup, Goretzka may be worth the cost. For others, the SBC offers little additional value.

Evolution Tasks

Two smaller evolutions were released alongside the SBCs. One requires 5,000 FC 26 coins and grants a small dribbling boost, while the other is tied to tournament tasks and rewards players with the Precision Crosser trait. Both are useful in very specific cases—for example, if your wingers or full-backs lack key traits—but neither represents a significant shift in the meta. They function more as fine-tuning tools rather than must-complete upgrades.

Tournament Mode Strategies

The highlight of the update is the launch of the Ultimate Trials Tournament, which introduces unique mechanics that force players to think beyond their best eleven.

The competition runs for four days, with three matches available each day. That means a maximum of twelve matches, and players receive pack rewards based on participation and the number of wins achieved. The headline reward is a special Kudus card, but to unlock it you need to go undefeated in all three matches on a single day.

What makes the mode especially challenging is its unique squad rule. Once you use a squad—starters and substitutes included—it becomes unavailable for the next match. That means you must prepare multiple squads in advance, each capable of competing on its own. For free-to-play players, who often struggle to assemble even one competitive squad with full chemistry, this requirement represents a serious obstacle.

To approach this tournament effectively, start with your strongest lineup in the first match to secure momentum. If squad depth is a concern, do not waste useful cards on the bench. Instead, fill substitute slots with bronze or silver players so that you preserve your limited golds for subsequent matches. When turning to the transfer market, focus on discard-price gold cards. These can help you assemble secondary squads without financial risk. On the other hand, avoid overpaying for suddenly inflated utility players unless you are confident you can consistently achieve three wins. Finally, it is important to manage expectations. The Kudus card is a powerful incentive, but the requirements are strict. Even without it, the packs earned through steady participation justify the effort. Interestingly, on the first day of the mode, some players reported a bug that granted Kudus after only two victories. If this issue remains unpatched, you may be able to take advantage of it.

Hero Card Leaks

The update also brought exciting leaks related to hero content. The first is a MAX 86 Hero Pack, which is expected to arrive soon. The most desirable outcomes are players such as Matuidi, Ramires, Doumbia, Gomez, and Babbel. These names carry strong market value and on-pitch performance. However, the pool also contains many underwhelming cards, making the pack a gamble. Holding onto your fodder until release may be the smartest approach.

Another leak points to a three-choice Hero SBC. According to reports, this selection could feature either newly introduced heroes or club-specific legends. Candidates being discussed include Quaresma, Aimar, Salgado, and De Rossi, while other predictions suggest Bayern Munich icons such as Pizarro and Effenberg. The intention seems clear: EA may use this SBC to promote fresh additions to the hero roster.

Team of the Week Predictions

As for the upcoming TOTW, several performances stand out. Julian Alvarez, who scored a hat trick for Atletico, is almost guaranteed to feature. Other strong contenders include Chiesa, Theo Hernandez, and Puig, each of whom delivered decisive performances in recent matches. PSG’s Bernardo and Arsenal’s Gabriel, who scored a dramatic match-winning goal, are also likely candidates. This potential lineup looks stacked, meaning that saving packs or targeting TOTW investments could be rewarding in the short term.

Community Notes

Outside the main updates, Rush Mode continues to provide steady rewards and should not be ignored. On the community side, some leaks caused confusion, such as speculation about an “American Bayern player.” Most fans dismissed this as inaccurate or even trolling, highlighting once again the importance of waiting for credible confirmation before making market decisions.

Final Thoughts

The September 29 update balances practical content with speculative excitement. The tournament mode offers a fresh test of squad management and strategic thinking, particularly for players who must stretch limited resources. SBCs like Nico Pass and Goretzka provide decent but non-essential options, rewarding only those invested in specific leagues. Meanwhile, hero leaks generate hype but also carry risk, making patience and resource management crucial.

At its core, this update challenges players to make smart choices. Whether you save your fodder for the rumored hero packs or focus on competing in the tournament for a chance at Kudus, success will depend on your ability to balance immediate rewards with long-term planning. By avoiding unnecessary spending and keeping expectations realistic, you can stay competitive in the evolving landscape of FC 26.