FC 26 Weekly Report: Cornerstone Event Leaks, Flashback Goretzka SBC Incoming

As FC 26 moves into its second week, September 26 marks a major turning point for the community. With the Standard Edition officially unlocked, a new wave of players is entering the game. Their arrival not only adds fresh energy to online matches but also reshapes the in-game market. Prices for gold cards, early SBC fodder, and even cheap bronze or silver items are already moving, creating opportunities for experienced traders while presenting challenges for those just starting out.

The influx of new players always brings a surge in demand. Starter squads built around affordable, pacey wingers and solid defenders are suddenly more valuable, and cards from popular clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, or Liverpool rise quickly because of chemistry links and sheer popularity. SBC fodder, especially from niche leagues, also sees spikes in value as fresh players begin completing their first challenges. Veteran users who stocked up on such cards are now able to sell for profit, while newcomers should take care not to overspend during the early market frenzy. Holding coins and waiting for prices to normalize is often the smarter play, as saving FC 26 coins early ensures more flexibility later.

On the daily content front, Thursday introduced the familiar Marquee Matchups SBC. The fixtures selected included AC Milan against Napoli in Serie A, Liverpool facing Crystal Palace in the Premier League, a Bayern Munich match from the Bundesliga, and Osasuna against Espanyol in La Liga. While the rewards are limited to small packs, they remain worth completing, especially for players looking to grind their clubs without major spending.

A free Evolution option was also made available, targeting players rated 82 or below. It boosts finishing stats and can be completed twice. Though modest in scope, it provides a useful boost for budget squads and offers a reason to revisit overlooked cards. Attackers such as Yildiz, Adeyemi, Chiesa, or even Pepe from an earlier SBC are particularly strong candidates. This type of upgrade does not redefine the meta but gives value to cards that otherwise would be discarded.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Cornerstone promo has already been heavily leaked. EA appears intent on limiting power creep, ensuring the balance of the game remains intact during its early stages. Federico Valverde, for example, has not received an overall rating increase but did gain a useful trait and small boosts to pace and physicality. Ferland Mendy is set to appear as an SBC with significant upgrades across speed and defense. If his price is kept under 50k FC 26 coins, he will likely be one of the most popular choices in the promo. Other notable inclusions are Cole Palmer and Bruno Fernandes, both arriving with new traits but lacking the raw pace that would justify their high costs. Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Williams, on the other hand, look like standout options thanks to their well-rounded upgrades and blistering speed. Players like Luis Diaz and Giovanni Di Lorenzo also provide value, even if they are not game-changing.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the leaks involves two upcoming SBCs. Mohammed Kudus, who now plays for Spurs, is rumored to arrive either as an SBC or an Objective. With a predicted pace rating of 94 and the possibility of receiving the Rapid+ trait, he looks like an excellent attacking option for Premier League squads. If offered through objectives, the challenge will almost certainly be difficult; if through SBC, the price could be steep. Flashback Leon Goretzka is also expected, with leaked stats pointing to an all-action midfielder equipped with the Threaded Pass+ trait. His gold card is already versatile, and this upgrade would push him further into elite territory, though the cost is likely to exceed 100k FC 26 coins.

Beyond player content, EA has also introduced a notable change to Team of the Week. For the first time, performances in cup competitions are being considered, not just weekend league matches. This adjustment means that a player delivering a standout performance in the Champions League or a domestic cup can now earn a TOTW card. It widens the pool of potential selections and adds variety to weekly rewards, a welcome change for fans eager to see new names featured.

With all these updates, players face important decisions on how to allocate their resources. Those on smaller budgets will find good value in the free Evolution, while mid-range squads should strongly consider completing Mendy if his SBC is priced reasonably. High-budget players may be tempted by Kudus or Goretzka, but the key will be monitoring costs and avoiding overspending. For market investors, the Premier League and La Liga are likely to offer the best short-term opportunities, with spikes in demand around popular players tied to SBCs or promos.

Week 2 of FC 26 highlights the delicate balance between immediate improvements and long-term planning. The Standard Edition launch has energized the market, while free Evolutions and controlled promo upgrades offer accessible ways to strengthen squads. Leaked SBCs promise powerful new cards, but their cost will test every player’s coin management. With TOTW changes rewarding a wider range of performances, the game feels more dynamic than before. Ultimately, the key to thriving in this stage of FC 26 is wise spending and careful timing, ensuring that every move in the market and every completed challenge brings maximum value for your FC 26 coins.