FC 26 News Roundup: TOTW 2, Zubimendi SBC, Cornerstones Promo, and La Liga POTM

The world of FC 26 never slows down, and September 24 brings plenty of fresh content. From the second week of Team of the Week to new SBCs, leaked Cornerstones players, the game’s first balance patch, and La Liga Player of the Month predictions, here’s everything you need to know.

Team of the Week 2

This week’s Team of the Week (TOTW 2) delivers a strong mix of elite stars and intriguing budget players.

At the top end, Eder Militao, Christian Pulisic, Ryan Gravenberch, and Kevin De Bruyne headline the squad. These cards are expected to command hefty price tags, not just because of their raw stats but also their strong league and nation links. De Bruyne, for example, remains one of the most versatile midfielders in the game, while Militao continues to be a defensive anchor in any competitive setup.

For budget-conscious players, there are several cards worth monitoring. Ansu Fati, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and a Valencia midfielder all come in at relatively low FUT coins cost (10K–30K). While they may not be immediate meta staples, they offer valuable chemistry links and, perhaps more importantly, potential as future Evolution candidates. Players with solid traits and balanced stats often see significant boosts in Evolutions, making these investments low risk and potentially high reward.

New SBC: Martin Zubimendi (Borussia Dortmund)

The standout Squad Building Challenge for today is Martín Zubimendi, who recently joined Borussia Dortmund.

• Estimated cost: ~18,500 FUT coins, making it accessible compared to premium SBCs.
• Attributes: 84 overall, 4★ skill moves, 3★ weak foot. Passing is his highlight at 85, with balanced pace, shooting, and dribbling when paired with a Hunter chemistry style.
• PlayStyles: Through Ball, Pinged Pass, Technical, and First Touch—offering great utility in midfield.

While his height (187 cm) makes him less agile than preferred meta CAMs, Zubimendi fits perfectly into Bundesliga or hybrid squads needing a creative midfielder. Considering the modest cost and potential future Evolutions, this SBC offers strong value for money.

Additionally, EA has released Challenge 2 SBC, which grants a chemistry-focused reward. It’s a simple one-off completion and worth doing while available.

Cornerstones Event Leaks

The community is buzzing about the upcoming Cornerstones promo, set to launch on Friday. Early leaks suggest a stacked lineup:

Top-tier stars: Federico Valverde, Nico Williams, Tijjani Reijnders, and Luis Diaz. Already expensive in gold form, their special versions are expected to be some of the most dominant and costly cards in Ultimate Team.

Mid-tier picks: Cole Palmer and Bruno Fernandes are included, but both face limitations due to underwhelming pace stats (70–77 in predicted ratings). While popular among fans, their competitive value may be limited.

Underrated options: Corentin Tolisso, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and Riccardo Orsolini could emerge as affordable yet reliable role players. For Serie A squads in particular, Di Lorenzo continues his reputation as a dependable right-back.

The promo seems structured to provide something for every budget: elite must-have cards for competitive players and mid-range picks for those looking to strengthen specific squads without breaking the bank.

First Patch Notes

EA Sports has also revealed details of FC 26’s first major patch, which will bring significant gameplay adjustments:

1. Nerf to charged low-driven shots, which had become overly powerful early in the cycle.
2. Buff to ground passing, improving accuracy and speed.
3. Reduced effectiveness of double-tap through balls and short passes, addressing community concerns about spamming.
4. Enhanced winger off-ball runs, leading to smarter positioning.
5. Improved attacking movement into space for forwards.
6. Better offside awareness, reducing frustrating AI missteps.

Of these, the nerf to low-driven shots and the rebalancing of passing mechanics stand out as the most impactful. Players who relied heavily on those tactics may need to adapt quickly. At the same time, smarter runs and improved spacing could create a more dynamic attacking experience.

La Liga Player of the Month Candidates

The La Liga POTM (Player of the Month) nominees have been revealed, and two names dominate the discussion:

• Kylian Mbappe: A potential SBC would no doubt be astronomically expensive. While attractive on paper, most players will find his gold card more than sufficient, especially with the possibility of selling it later for profit.
• Pedri: A more realistic and appealing candidate for the average player. His balanced stats, Barcelona chemistry links, and likely affordability make him a practical upgrade for many squads.

If Mbappe wins, his SBC will be a luxury item for big spenders. If Pedri takes the award, expect much broader adoption across competitive and casual squads.

Final Notes

• Division Rivals: Rewards will settle soon, so make sure to finish your matches before the cutoff. Even a few additional wins could mean higher-tier packs and FC 26 coins.
• Content schedule: Thursday is usually a quiet day for new releases, but Friday promises excitement with the official launch of the Cornerstones promo.

In short, September 24 has brought a mix of new SBC content, exciting leaks, and a preview of gameplay balance changes that will reshape the FC 26 meta. Whether you’re grinding Division Rivals, get FC 26 coins for Cornerstones, or eyeing the La Liga POTM, this week offers plenty of ways to stay engaged.