FC 26 Daily Review: TOTY Midfielders Arrive, "Pass-and-Go" Evolution Value, and the Olise SBC Debate

The TOTY central midfielders have officially entered the player pool, marking one of the most prestigious phases of the FC 26 cycle. Today’s update features six elite cards, a highly tactical free Evolution, and a controversial new SBC for Michael Olise.

Deep Dive: The TOTY Midfield Starting XI

The newly released midfield sextet—split between three men and three women—is widely considered the most consistent "big win" pool in the game, as every single card is top-tier.

On the men’s side, Vitinha is the standout "Midfield King". Featuring a "Triple Gold" PlayStyle+ combo of Finesse Shot, Technical, and Tiki-Taka, his 5-star skill moves and 5-star weak foot make him a lethal offensive threat. With 95 interceptions, he balances creativity with elite defensive presence. Pedri follows closely as a master playmaker; while he lacks 5-star skills, his 90+ dribbling stats and "Gold Tick" passing make him exceptionally smooth in possession. Declan Rice rounds out the trio as a premier "Stay Back" CDM. Although he lacks passing PlayStyles, his 95 aggression and 90 strength make him an impenetrable defensive wall, essentially an upgraded version of UCL Rodri.

The women’s selections are equally transformative. Aitana Bonmati is a versatile 5/5 threat with 97 agility and balance, making her nearly impossible to dispossess. Alexia Putellas remains an offensive powerhouse with Gold Finesse Shot and Incisive Pass, capable of dominating the CAM role with her elite finishing. Mariona serves as the perfect B2B (box-to-box) partner, boasting 90+ defensive awareness and strength. These three players complement each other so well that they can effectively be used as a complete starting midfield unit.

"Pass-and-Go" Evolution: High Value for Free

The new "Pass-and-Go" Evolution is a highlight for budget-conscious players. This free Evolution can be completed twice and focuses on significantly boosting a player's distribution without increasing their overall rating—preserving their eligibility for future Evolutions.

It prioritizes the most meta passing traits, granting PlayStyles like Tiki-Taka, Incisive Pass, and Pinged Pass. While the 85 OVR limit restricts top-end cards, it is perfect for transforming utility players like N'Golo Kante or specialized "Super Subs" into world-class distributors.

Michael Olise SBC and TOTY Live Objectives

In contrast to the high-value midfielders, the Michael Olise TOTY Honorable Mentions SBC has received a lukewarm reception. Despite a stunning card design and 90 OVR, the 500k FUT coin price tag is steep. As a winger, he lacks top-tier pace PlayStyles like "Quick Step," and as a CAM, he lacks the "Incisive Pass" trait. With 4-star skills and a high price point, many players find him hard to justify compared to cheaper alternatives like UCL Lamine Yamal.

On the objective front, "TOTY Live 2" is now active. By participating, players can earn several 83+ and 84+ packs, along with a "Silver Intercept" Evolution. While not as explosive as previous pace-based Evolutions, it is a solid upgrade for CDMs and fullbacks needing better defensive positioning.

Summary and Market Strategy

The TOTY Midfield window is arguably the best time to open saved packs. Unlike the attackers' pool, which can be "top-heavy," every midfielder currently in packs is a meta-relevant starter for almost any squad. For those looking to grind SBCs, the limited-time "45-item 82+ Pack" in the store offers a high volume of fodder to cycle into daily upgrades.