FC 26: Who to Choose from the Base Hero Matchday Pick ?

EA Sports FC 26 has released another Base Hero Matchday Pick SBC, and this time it seems pretty exciting one. In the third stage of this challenge, you may choose from three strong heroes: Forlan, Joe Cole, and Lizarazu. But which one is truly worth your coins and time?

Let's break it down.

Base Hero Matchday Pick SBC Structure & Cost

To unlock this pick, you must complete 4 squads rated 84, 85, 86, and 87, with no In-Form cards required. That's already a plus because they can cause price spikes rapidly.

The challenge will be available for two weeks, giving you plenty of time to complete it.

Based on current market estimates, the overall cost should come in at 160K -180K FC 26 coins, depending on fodder costs. It's slightly more expensive than the previous Hero Pick (which featured Scott, Solskjær, and Beasley), but the quality is definitely higher.

If you're looking to complete the SBC efficiently, some players use reliable coin platforms like M8X (formerly FIFACOIN) to quickly gather coins and build squads. This can save time on the market while still letting you enjoy the SBC rewards.

Forlan – The Striker Pick

• Price: ~196K
• Position: ST / LW
• Recommended Chemistry Style: Engine

Forlan is easily the most valuable of the three, both in-game and on the market. Strikers are sometimes the most difficult to come by early in the FC cycle, and Forlan fits that role wonderfully.

He's a strong finisher, fast on the ball, and versatile enough to play out wide. The majority of players describe him as "a wonderful card to go with, and easily the best value pick here."

If you don't already have a great striker, Forlan is the smart choice.

Lizarazu – The Defensive Beast

• Market Price: ~188K
• Position: LB
• Recommended Chemistry Style: Anchor

Lizarazu may not make headlines, but he is quietly one of the best left-backs in FC 26 right now. Many players compare him to Nuno Mendes, which is high praise.

He's strong, reliable, and feels amazing defensively—exactly what you want in that position. The best part? Completing this SBC basically locks in your starting left-back for the first half of the game cycle.

If you're short on defenders, Lizarazu is a straightforward choice.

Joe Cole – The Forgotten Winger

• Market Price: ~170K
• Position: RW
• Recommended Chemistry Style: Hawk or Engine

Joe Cole is far from a bad choice. He's quick, technical, and well-balanced, yet right wing is one of the most competitive positions in Ultimate Team.

As some players put it, "Cole isn't bad, but there are just too many good alternatives on the right side."

If you already have strong options here, he is clearly the least appealing of the three.

Final Recommendation

Here's how the ranking stacks up:

• NO.1 Forlan: Best overall pick, strongest value, and fits almost any team.
• NO.2 Lizarazu: Great if you need a left-back; reliable, long-term option.
• NO.3 Joe Cole: Good player, but outclassed by too many alternatives.

The value of the SBC is outstanding, with each of the three cards being worth more than that much. Whether you're building your first competitive squad or looking to work on weak positions, this pick offers great flexibility.

Unlike the previous round of Hero Picks, in which one option was plainly superior (sorry, Solskjaer fans), this time all three choices have significant value.

Still, if you're looking for performance and resale value, Forlan is the obvious winner. Lizarazu is your secure, smart choice for balance — and Joe Cole? Only if you are a fan.

Who will you choose from the Base Hero Matchday Pick? Let's hear it in the comments below.