FC 26 Festival of Football Captains: Everything You Need to Know

The Festival of Football Captains event has arrived in FC 26, providing squad-building flexibility and some of the most appealing special items early in the game.

Here's a complete breakdown of what the event includes, how it works and how to make the most of it.

What's the FC 26 Festival of Football Captains?

The Festival of Football Captains is a national-team-themed event focused on players who now wear or have worn the captain's armband for their country. The event honors leadership and international football by offering these players with special items with boosted stats and new chemistry rules.

Unlike traditional events that focus on league-based squads, this FOF Captains event emphasizes national identity. It's part of the wider Festival of Football event, which runs throughout key international windows and connects real-world moments with Ultimate Team content.

How the Chemistry Works?

The highlight of this event is its unique chemistry structure, making it easier to fit Captains items into hybrid squads. Each card comes with special chemistry links that go beyond standard items, as outlined below. This is how it works.

Enhanced Link Structure

Every Captains card provides:

• Three nationality links
• One club link
• One league link

This indicates that a single Captains card links further than a standard item, which often only has one or two chemistry pathways. This allows you to reach full chemistry with fewer players from the same club or league. It allows for hybrid squads made up of players from multiple nations and leagues.

FC 26 FOF Captains Players

This event features a number of players including high-rated stars from famous national teams. While ratings may differ based on the platform's pack content, some names have already got attention for their balanced stats and strong chemistry profiles.

Below are some of the notable Captains items featured in the event:

• Kylian Mbappé (ST 92 OVR)
• Harry Kane (ST 91 OVR)
• Virgil van Dijk (CB 90 OVR)
• Cristiano Ronaldo (ST 89 OVR)
• Ewa Pajor (ST 89 OVR)

In addition, the event offers a larger number of Captains cards rated 85-88, providing options for budget squads and SBC solutions. With SBCs and Objectives related to the event, players may expect to get more Captains items through games.

How to Get the Most of the FOF Captains?

To get more value from this event, consider the following tips:

1. Build Around National Links

Because each card gives three nationality links, starting with a core nation is one of the most straightforward ways to reach full chemistry. France, England, Portugal, and the Netherlands stand out because they provide a wide-range options.

2. Complete SBCs Early

Event SBCs often require specific nationalities. Player prices may rise during the event, so completing SBCs early can save FUT coins.

3. Try Hybrid Squads

This event is perfect for experimenting with mixed leagues. Captains items operate as chemistry anchors, allowing you to connect clubs and divisions that would not ordinarily work well together.

4. Keep an Eye on Market

Players from high-demand nations may see their prices rise throughout the event period. Selling unneeded cards at the right time to gain FC 26 coins can help you strengthen your squad long-term.

5. Use Captains as Long-Term Pieces

Because they are flexible, many Captains items last longer than traditional special cards. Even players with mid-tier ratings can make significant contributions to mid-season squads.

The Festival of Football Captains Event lasts roughly a week, giving you a fast opportunity to restructure your squad and experiment with fresh chemistry ideas. Make the most of it now, and keep a watch out for what happens next, since this event is likely the start of a wider cycle of international-themed stuff in FC 26.