FC 26: EA FC 26 Player Ratings Predictions, What Will the Next Generation of FUT Modes Look Like?

With the release of FC 26 just around the corner, the excitement among football fans and Ultimate Team enthusiasts is reaching fever pitch. Every year, player ratings not only spark endless debates but also shape FUT markets and influence how millions around the world build their squads. As we head toward a new season of virtual football, let’s explore which players might see dramatic upgrades or disappointing downgrades—and how these shifts could redefine the next FUT meta.

Which Stars will See Big Upgrades in FC 26?

Each season brings a wave of breakout talents who light up the pitch with stellar performances, earning them well-deserved rating boosts. In FC 26, there’s a strong chance that these rising stars will headline the upgrades list:

• Jude Bellingham: After an extraordinary debut season with Real Madrid, Bellingham looks set to jump from an already impressive 86 to possibly an 88 or 89 overall. His goals, assists, and ability to control big games in La Liga and the Champions League solidify his claim as one of football’s brightest young stars.
• Cole Palmer: The Chelsea playmaker turned heads last season with clutch goals and vital assists, especially during the run-in. This could see his rating soar to around 84+, establishing him as a new fan-favorite card in FUT.
• Lamine Yamal: At just 16 years old, the Barcelona prodigy dazzled fans with his fearless runs and mature decision-making. Expect EA to mark him as a wonderkid with a lower base rating but very high potential, making him an instant target in Career Mode.

Additionally, players like Jamal Musiala and Phil Foden are expected to receive slight bumps, keeping them firmly entrenched as Meta picks for top-tier FUT squads.

Which Stars will be Relegated in FC 26?

Not every star manages to maintain peak form. Injuries, transfers to less competitive leagues, or simply age catching up can result in ratings drops. Likely candidates this year include:

• Neymar Jr.: After his move from PSG and subsequent injury struggles, Neymar could see his rating slip from 89 to 88 or even 87, reflecting concerns over consistency and fitness.
• Sadio Mané: While still scoring frequently in the Saudi league, the overall level of competition might lead EA to modestly adjust his stats downward, especially his pace or stamina.
• Virgil van Dijk: Though still among the best defenders in the world, natural aging may see slight decreases to his pace or agility, though his defensive IQ remains elite.

These downgrades could impact FUT trading and make managers rethink long-standing squad staples.

The Next FUT Meta: What to Expect in FC 26?

Beyond raw ratings, every edition of Ultimate Team evolves tactically. Early leaks and community speculation suggest that FC 26 will continue to emphasize diverse PlayStyle+ traits (like Tiki Taka, Press Proven, Rapid, and Technical), rewarding multi-dimensional midfielders who can both create and disrupt.

• Pace remains essential: Despite EA’s efforts to rebalance gameplay, having lightning-fast wingers and fullbacks remains the easiest way to break stubborn defenses.
• Versatile fullbacks and strong midfield cores: Expect the best squads to rely on players who can switch seamlessly between defensive solidity and quick overlaps or line-breaking passes.
• Goalkeepers might regain importance: Rumors indicate refined keeper animations and positioning AI, making certain keepers—those with high reflex and composure—hot commodities in the early FUT market.

At its heart, FC 26 promises to shake up the scene. Whether it’s watching Bellingham dominate midfields, uncovering hidden gem wonderkids like Yamal, or adapting to new meta shifts around PlayStyle+, there’s plenty to look forward to.

For Career Mode purists, these changes offer fresh narratives to explore season after season. For FUT investors and tacticians, they present both risk and opportunity: smart early buys could pay off massively if a player’s meta viability skyrockets.

So keep your FUT Coins handy and your eyes on EA’s upcoming official ratings announcements. The future of your next big squad—and maybe the next FUT Weekend League title—could depend on them.