FC 26: EA FC 26 Pre-Order Icons Released, What Players Need to Know

EA Sports FC 26 is officially set to release on September 26, 2025, across all major platforms. However, for eager fans, the pre-order window has already opened, and the Ultimate Edition is now available for purchase. One of the biggest attractions of pre-ordering is the chance to secure an exclusive Ultimate Team icon player, which stands out as the most valuable bonus of this year’s edition. With EA promising an exciting lineup of new features and fresh legends, securing your pre-order early might be the best way to maximize your experience.

What icons are included in the FC 26 pre-order?

Players who purchase the Ultimate Edition before August 26, 2025, will receive a non-transferable starting icon. This icon is randomly selected from a pool of 15 legendary football figures, both past and present. These aren’t just any players — they are globally recognized names who have left an indelible mark on football history. The full list of confirmed debut icons includes:

Zlatan Ibrahimović

Alex Morgan

Andrés Iniesta

Toni Kroos

Caroline Seger

Giorgio Chiellini

Sissi

Francesco Totti

Marcelo

Steffi Jones

Oliver Kahn

Cha Bum-Kun

Each of these icons represents a unique era of the game, giving fans a chance to bring their favorite legends directly into Ultimate Team. Alongside these 12 confirmed names, EA has also teased the inclusion of additional fan-favorite icons such as R9 Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, and Steven Gerrard in the early access pool, making the pre-order package even more appealing.

Archetypes inspired by legendary players

Beyond Ultimate Team, EA FC 26 also introduces new archetypes inspired by iconic footballers, offering players more customization options in Club Mode and Career Mode. For example:

Zlatan Ibrahimović – Target archetype

Alex Morgan – Finisher archetype

Toni Kroos – Maestro archetype

Oliver Kahn – Shot Stopper archetype

Andrés Iniesta – Creator archetype

These archetypes not only reflect the unique playing styles of the legends but also allow fans to create and evolve characters that mirror the traits of their football idols. It’s an innovative addition that deepens player immersion and helps fans understand the nuances of professional football development.

How to secure your icon through pre-order?

The pre-order process is straightforward, but timing is key. Fans who pre-order the Ultimate Edition before August 26, 2025, will unlock several rewards:

Early Access – Begin playing EA FC 26 on September 19, 2025, a full week before the official global launch.

Non-tradable Debut Icon – Receive one random Debut Icon from the list above immediately at the start of Early Access.

Automatic Upgrade – In November 2025, the Debut Icon you received will be upgraded to the Champion Edition Icon, showcasing the player at the peak of their career. This upgrade is entirely automatic, requiring no objectives or training.

EA Play Benefits – Starting from September 19, EA Play members get 10 hours of early access, plus exclusive bonuses such as a 10% discount on EA digital content (game downloads, FC Points, DLC), seasonal draft tokens, and additional club rewards.

This structure ensures that early adopters not only enjoy the thrill of playing a week before everyone else but also benefit from enhanced rewards that grow over time.

Platforms and global release

EA Sports FC 26 will be available across a wide range of platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Amazon Luna, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. The Ultimate Edition pre-order ensures players enjoy the maximum possible content, while the Standard Edition will also be widely available at launch.

To summarize, pre-ordering EA FC 26 not only guarantees early access but also grants exclusive legends that could significantly boost your Ultimate Team experience. With the global release date set for September 26, 2025, and Early Access beginning September 19, 2025, fans have a clear incentive to secure their spot now. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of legendary icons, the excitement of archetypes, or simply the chance to play before anyone else, EA FC 26’s pre-order bonuses make it one of the most rewarding offers in the franchise’s history.