FC 26 Free-to-Play Beginner’s Guide: How to Build Your Squad from Scratch

With the launch of FC 26, thousands of players are stepping onto the virtual pitch. For free-to-play gamers, however, the early days can be the toughest. The starting squads provided by the system are usually made up of low-rated golds, silvers, and bronzes, which makes it difficult to compete in matches or complete SBCs effectively. The biggest challenge for anyone who refuses to spend money is clear: a serious lack of resources.

Instead of rushing to store packs, the best strategy for non-spenders is to prioritize the Draft mode. Many streamers who buy packs with their green points often end up with disappointing results, while free-to-play players can make much better use of their 2,000 starting points by entering single-player Drafts. Each entry costs 300 points, which looks expensive compared to the 150-point store packs, but the rewards for winning four games are significantly better. Playing on beginner difficulty ensures consistent wins, and the packs you earn contain tradable players, which is a huge advantage in the early game. The draft also allows you to use strong pre-built squads, so you don’t have to struggle with your weak starter team. The only real risk is disconnection, which can waste your entry.

Tasks and objectives form another essential part of early squad building. The basic objectives follow a step-by-step structure, beginning with “A Fresh Start” and gradually unlocking more advanced challenges. These are generally easy to complete, though some—such as changing formations—may require extra attempts due to bugs. Seasonal objectives, tied to the battle pass system, provide experience for activities like trading and playing matches. Since draft doesn’t count toward them, Squad Battles become the most reliable way to make progress here.

One of the most exciting additions this year is the introduction of Silver Icon challenges. Players can unlock legends such as Yashin, Garrincha, Eusebio, Charlton, and Moore by completing specific objectives. These cards may have low overall ratings due to their silver status, but they offer valuable chemistry links and unique playstyles. Among the five, Yashin, Garrincha, Eusebio, and Charlton are worth prioritizing since their requirements are more manageable. Moore, on the other hand, demands a full English squad and a huge number of matches, which makes him less attractive early on. Choosing which Icons to grind for is crucial, because dedicating your limited time to the more efficient objectives will accelerate your progress.

Live competitions and Rush events provide additional layers of rewards. Rush remains similar to previous years, where accumulating points gradually unlocks prizes. Milestone objectives, meanwhile, encourage long-term engagement. A new milestone this year, called “First Owner Master,” requires your squad to consist entirely of pack-pulled players. This is particularly important for free-to-play managers, who must carefully balance their roster choices. Spending FC 26 coins on the transfer market can be tempting, but relying too heavily on purchases can lock you out of key rewards. For anyone who avoids buying FC 26 coins, this milestone highlights the need to maximize every free pack and token available.

For Standard Edition players who join the game later, the lack of green points makes early planning even more important. In this situation, Moments mode should become the first priority. Moments challenges reward Star Tokens, which can be exchanged in the Star Gallery for high-value packs. These packs, often containing multiple rare golds, provide an essential foundation for building a usable squad. The earliest Moments challenges are designed to be accessible even with a weak team, so they represent a safe way to earn upgrades without the pressure of online competition. Some challenges, such as completing slide tackles or winning possession, can be frustrating because the game does not always register them properly. To improve your chances, use jockeying before making a tackle—this method increases the likelihood that the attempt will count toward the objective.

The road for free-to-play players is not without frustration. Progress can feel slow compared to those who buy points or invest heavily in FC 26 coins. However, patience and smart resource management can make the difference. Focus on draft for tradable rewards, complete basic and seasonal objectives steadily, and use Moments to secure consistent squad upgrades. Silver Icon challenges should be approached selectively, favoring those with lower match requirements. By pacing yourself and making deliberate choices, you can avoid wasting precious resources on low-value store packs and instead channel your effort into the most rewarding areas of the game.

Ultimately, success in FC 26 without spending money comes down to discipline. Free-to-play players must think long-term, valuing stability and efficiency over quick fixes. It may take extra effort, but the satisfaction of building a competitive squad from scratch is well worth it. By sticking to this roadmap, even non-spenders can experience the full depth of the game and compete with stronger teams over time.