EA FC 26 Team of the Week 1 Complete Guide 2026

Written By: Osama
Updated On: September 18th, 2025

EA FC 26 Team of the Week 1 (TOTW 1) launched on September 17, 2025, featuring 23 upgraded players headlined by Erling Haaland (91 OVR) and Harry Kane (90 OVR), available in packs until September 24 at 1 PM ET. The squad includes players with ratings from 80 to 91, with total market values ranging from 1,332,050 coins on PlayStation/Xbox to 209,200 on PC.

TOTW 1 Quick Summary

Category	Details
Release Date	September 17, 2025 (6 PM BST)
End Date	September 24, 2025 (1 PM ET)
Total Players	23
Highest Rating	91 (Erling Haaland)
Lowest Rating	80 (Multiple players)
Top Cards	Haaland (91), Kane (90), Oberdorf (86)
Price Range (PS/Xbox)	0 – 850,000 coins
Price Range (PC)	0 – 50,500 coins

The inaugural Team of the Week marks the beginning of EA FC 26’s Ultimate Team season, coinciding with the Web App launch and Early Access period. With the power curve confirmed to be slower this season, TOTW cards are likely to gain even more value, as they’re not only high-rated versions of base players but can also be used to complete Icon and POTM SBCs.

Contents

Complete EA FC 26 TOTW 1 Player List 2026

Elite Tier Players (90+ OVR)

Erling Haaland – 91 OVR – ST – Manchester City The Norwegian striker dominated the Manchester derby with a clinical brace in City’s 3-0 victory, earning the highest rating in TOTW 1. His upgraded card features devastating 87 pace, 92 shooting, and 89 physical stats that make him a nightmare for defenders in Ultimate Team.

Harry Kane – 90 OVR – ST – Bayern Munich
The English striker scored twice and provided an assist in Bayern’s dominant 5-0 victory against Hamburger SV, cementing his place as TOTW 1’s second-highest rated player.

Premium Players (85-86 OVR)

Lena Oberdorf – 86 OVR – CDM – Bayern Munich Women The German defensive midfielder earned her spot with a commanding performance in Bayern’s latest victory, showcasing why she’s one of the most sought-after women’s cards in Ultimate Team.

Marcos Llorente – 86 OVR – RB – Atlético Madrid Known for his versatility and pace, Llorente assisted in Atlético’s 2-0 win over Villarreal and looks set to be one of the most meta right-backs early in the FC 26 cycle.

Alejandro Grimaldo – 86 OVR – LM – Bayer Leverkusen The Spanish fullback scored two sublime free kicks in Leverkusen’s 3-1 victory over Frankfurt, earning his first special card of 2026.

Benjamin Pavard – 86 OVR – CB – Olympique Marseille The French defender kept a clean sheet in Marseille’s comprehensive 4-0 victory, demonstrating the defensive solidity that makes him a popular choice in Ultimate Team.

Iñigo Martínez – 86 OVR – CB – Al Nassr The experienced Spanish center-back has made an immediate impact in Saudi Arabia, earning his TOTW spot with a commanding defensive display.

Luka Modrić – 85 OVR – CM – AC Milan The Croatian maestro celebrated his first goal for Milan, scoring the winner against Bologna to earn his place in the opening TOTW.

Mid-Tier Players (81-84 OVR)

Jaden Philogene – 84 OVR – LM – Ipswich Town The young winger delivered a spectacular hat-trick performance in Ipswich’s 5-0 victory, announcing himself on the Ultimate Team stage.

Melvine Malard – 84 OVR – ST – Manchester United Women The French striker scored the opening goal against London City and maintained defensive solidity throughout the match.

Antoine Semenyo – 83 OVR – RM – Bournemouth Continuing his strong start to the season with a goal and an assist, Semenyo helped Bournemouth secure a 2-1 victory over Brighton.

Fermín López – 83 OVR – CAM – Barcelona The Spanish attacking midfielder showcased his creative talents to earn his first TOTW inclusion of the new season.

Thomas Müller – 83 OVR – CAM – Vancouver Whitecaps The German legend continues his MLS journey with Vancouver, earning a TOTW spot for his influential performances.

Kenan Yıldız – 82 OVR – CAM – Juventus The Turkish youngster was named Man of the Match for his goal and assist performance, highlighting Turkey’s bright future with emerging talents.

Lucas Bergvall – 81 OVR – CM – Tottenham Hotspur The Swedish midfielder impressed in Tottenham’s latest victory, earning his first-ever TOTW card.

Giovanni Simeone – 81 OVR – ST – Torino The Argentine striker’s clinical finishing earned him a spot in the opening TOTW squad.

Foundation Players (80 OVR)

Zakaria Eddahchouri – ST – Deportivo La Coruña
Mohamed Kader Meïté – ST – Stade Rennes
Mika Godts – LW – Ajax
André Gomes – GK – Alverca (Penalty save hero)
Jang Seong-won – LB – Daegu FC
Nazareno Colombo – CB – Racing Club
Medina Dešić – ST – Werder Bremen

How to Get TOTW 1 Cards in EA FC 26?

Method 1: Opening Packs

The primary way to obtain TOTW 1 cards is through opening packs. Players need to get lucky, with the safest choices being packs that guarantee Rare Gold players. However, Bronze and Silver packs can also contain TOTW cards if Bronze or Silver players make the squad, though odds are extremely low.

Best Pack Types for TOTW Cards:

Premium Gold Packs
Rare Players Packs
Ultimate Packs
Mega Packs
TOTW Guaranteed Packs (when available)

Method 2: Transfer Market

The most reliable method is purchasing TOTW 1 cards directly from the transfer market. TOTW 1 cards can historically be more expensive than subsequent releases, given this squad coincides with the Web App release and Ultimate Edition early access, limiting supply due to fewer players on the game.

Current Market Ranges June 2026:

PlayStation/Xbox: 0 to 850,000 coins
PC: 0 to 50,500 coins
Total Squad Value: 1.3M+ coins (Console), 209K coins (PC)

Method 3: Squad Building Challenges (SBCs)

EA occasionally releases TOTW-specific SBCs that guarantee players from current or past Teams of the Week. These typically require:

High chemistry squads
Minimum team rating (usually 83-85)
Specific league or nation requirements

Method 4: Objectives and Rewards

Look for:

Weekly objectives featuring TOTW pack rewards
Division Rivals rewards (higher divisions = better chances)
FUT Champions rewards
Season Pass milestones

Understanding Pack Odds and Probabilities

The odds of packing in-form player items are extremely rare, requiring dozens of packs for a shot at grabbing one. While EA doesn’t disclose exact TOTW probabilities, historical data suggests:

Estimated Pack Probabilities:

Premium Gold Pack: Less than 1% for any TOTW
Rare Players Pack: Approximately 3-5% for any TOTW
Ultimate Pack: 10-15% for any TOTW
Specific High-Rated TOTW: Less than 0.1%

Pack probabilities are on a pack-by-pack basis and are not cumulative – each pack opening is an independent event, so opening multiple packs doesn’t change the likelihood of receiving specific items.

Meta Analysis: Best TOTW 1 Cards for Your Squad

Top Meta Picks

On paper, Haaland and Llorente look like the two top meta options, though this remains speculative before players fully experience how FC 26 differs from previous titles.

1. Erling Haaland (91 ST)

Why He’s Meta: Combination of pace, strength, and clinical finishing
Best Chemistry Style: Hunter or Engine
Expected Price: 500K-850K coins
Alternative: Regular gold card at 90 OVR

2. Marcos Llorente (86 RB)

Why He’s Meta: Exceptional versatility, can play RB, RM, or CM
Best Chemistry Style: Shadow or Anchor
Expected Price: 100K-200K coins
Key Stats: High pace and stamina for box-to-box play

3. Alejandro Grimaldo (86 LM)

Why He’s Meta: Pace, dribbling, and set-piece specialist
Best Chemistry Style: Deadeye or Finisher
Expected Price: 80K-150K coins
Versatility: Can play LB, LM, or LW

Budget Meta Options

Antoine Semenyo (83 RM)

Strong physical presence on the wing
Good pace and dribbling combination
Expected under 30K coins

Lucas Bergvall (81 CM)

Well-rounded midfielder stats
Good for starter squads
Expected under 15K coins

The Power Curve Impact

EA has deliberately slowed down the power curve in FC 26, with base items like Rare Golds, ICONs, and Heroes setting the benchmark for top squads deeper into the year. This means:

TOTW cards maintain relevance longer
Less dramatic power creep compared to FC 25
Better value retention for early special cards
More balanced competitive environment

Building Your Squad Around TOTW 1

Premier League Hybrid

Formation: 4-3-3(4)

ST: Erling Haaland (91)
CAM: Build around with base golds
Wings: Semenyo (83) + Premier League options
Defense: Mix of gold cards
Chemistry Focus: Norwegian/Premier League links

La Liga Setup

Formation: 4-2-3-1

RB: Marcos Llorente (86)
LM: Alejandro Grimaldo (86)
CAM: Fermín López (83)
Core: Spanish/La Liga players for chemistry

Budget Beast Squad

Formation: 4-4-2

Focus on 80-83 rated TOTW cards
Total cost under 100K coins
Mix leagues for value
Prioritize pace and physical stats

Tips for Maximizing TOTW 1 Investment

Smart Trading Strategies

Buy During Lightning Rounds
- Prices typically drop when promo packs flood the market
- Best times: 6 PM-7 PM UK time
- Weekend drops usually largest
Hold for Out of Packs
- TOTW 1 leaves packs on September 24 at 1 PM ET
- Prices often rise 20-40% once cards leave packs
- Meta cards see biggest increases
Target Specific Positions
- Full-backs and CDMs typically hold value best
- Popular nation/league combinations
- Players with multiple position capabilities

Pack Opening Strategy

When to Open Saved Packs:

During TOTW 1 (September 17-24)
Overlap with other promos for dual chances
After 6 PM content drops
During Happy Hour events (double pack weight)

Packs to Save:

50K+ packs for best odds
TOTW guaranteed packs
Ultimate packs from rewards
Rare Players packs

Community Resources and Links

Official Resources

Join the official EA SPORTS FC Discord for real-time discussions about TOTW releases, trading tips, and squad building advice. The community regularly shares pack luck, market trends, and meta discoveries.

For the latest updates and announcements, follow the official EA SPORTS FC Twitter account. They post TOTW reveals every Wednesday at 6 PM BST.

Community Hubs

The EA SPORTS FC subreddit provides excellent discussion threads for each TOTW release, with player reviews and squad suggestions from experienced players.

For detailed player statistics and price tracking, FUTBIN offers comprehensive databases and squad building tools updated in real-time.

Content Creator Insights

Popular FC content creators on YouTube and Twitch often provide:

TOTW player reviews
Pack opening streams
Trading method guides
Squad building challenges

Looking Ahead: TOTW 2 and Beyond

TOTW 2 will be available when TOTW 1 leaves packs on September 24 at 1 PM ET. Based on current fixtures and form:

Potential TOTW 2 Candidates:

Monitor Champions League performances
Weekend league matches crucial
International break could affect selections
Women’s league fixtures increasing representation

Season 1 TOTW Trends

With the slower power curve, expect:

Gradual rating increases
More diverse league representation
Increased women’s football inclusion
Focus on real-world performance over popularity

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pack Opening Errors

Opening During Dead Hours
- Avoid 2 AM-10 AM UK time
- Less market activity = poor prices
- Save for peak hours
Panic Selling TOTW Pulls
- Check multiple market sources
- Compare with recent sales
- Consider holding if unsure
Overpaying on Release
- Prices highest in first hour
- Wait for supply to increase
- Monitor price graphs

Squad Building Mistakes

Forcing TOTW Players
- Don’t compromise chemistry
- Base golds sometimes better value
- Consider overall squad balance
Ignoring Alternative Positions
- Some TOTW cards play better out of position
- Check in-game stats thoroughly
- Test in Squad Battles first

Maximizing Early Game Progress

Web App Advantages

Since TOTW 1 coincides with Web App launch:

Complete foundation SBCs immediately
Trade actively during high volatility
Build coin balance before full release
Snipe underpriced TOTW cards

Early Access Benefits

Ultimate Edition players can start at midnight local time on September 19 on console, gaining crucial early market advantage.

Priority Actions:

Complete placement matches
Unlock transfer market access
Complete profitable SBCs
Invest in TOTW 1 cards before they leave packs

Expert Trading Tips

The TOTW Investment Method

Identify Discard IFs
- 80-82 rated cards near quick-sell value
- Minimal risk, high upside potential
- Hold for future SBC requirements
League SBC Preparation
- TOTW cards often required
- Stock cheap options from major leagues
- 83+ rated best for requirements
Meta Position Focus
- Full-backs with 80+ pace
- CDMs with physical presence
- Wingers with 5-star skills

Market Timing Guide

Best Buying Times:

Sunday night (Weekend League sell-off)
Thursday evening (Rewards drop)
During Lightning Rounds
Last day in packs

Best Selling Times:

Friday afternoon (Weekend League prep)
After leaving packs
During related SBC releases
Tuesday evening (pre-TOTW hype)

Frequently Asked Questions

When does EA FC 26 TOTW 1 leave packs?

FC 26 TOTW 1 will leave packs on Wednesday, September 24 at 1 PM ET, when TOTW 2 becomes available.

What are the best packs for TOTW cards?

Packs that guarantee Rare Gold players offer the safest chances, though Ultimate Packs and Rare Players Packs provide the best odds for TOTW cards. TOTW guaranteed packs offer 100% chance when available.

Who are the highest-rated players in TOTW 1?

The highest-rated players are Erling Haaland at 91 OVR and Harry Kane at 90 OVR, followed by several 86-rated players including Llorente, Oberdorf, and Grimaldo.

How much do TOTW 1 cards cost?

Prices range from 0 to 850,000 coins on PlayStation and Xbox, with PC prices ranging from 0 to 50,500 coins. Elite players like Haaland command premium prices.

Can I pack TOTW 1 cards from Bronze or Silver packs?

Yes, Bronze and Silver packs can contain TOTW cards if Bronze or Silver players make the squad, though the odds are extremely low.

Will TOTW 1 cards rise in price after leaving packs?

Historically, TOTW cards increase 20-40% in value after leaving packs, with meta players seeing the largest gains due to reduced supply.

What’s different about TOTW in FC 26?

With FC 26’s deliberately slower power curve, TOTW cards maintain relevance longer into the game cycle compared to previous years.

How often are new TOTWs released?

TOTW squads are released every Wednesday at 10 AM PT (1 PM EST/6 PM BST) and remain in packs for exactly one week.

Can TOTW cards be used in SBCs?

Yes, TOTW cards are frequently required for Icon SBCs, POTM (Player of the Month) SBCs, and special promotional challenges throughout the year.

Are women’s players included in TOTW?

Yes, EA FC 26 features increased representation from women’s football, with players like Lena Oberdorf (86) and Melvine Malard (84) in TOTW 1.

What determines TOTW selection?

TOTW squads are made up of players who’ve put in top performances for their clubs across Europe, with EA trying to make teams diverse with players from outside top leagues.

How can I track TOTW 1 prices?

Use market tracking websites like FUTBIN or the official Web App to monitor real-time prices, historical graphs, and market trends for all TOTW 1 players.

Conclusion

EA FC 26’s first Team of the Week sets an exciting tone for the Ultimate Team season ahead. With superstar headliners in Haaland and Kane, versatile meta options like Llorente and Grimaldo, and a diverse supporting cast spanning multiple leagues, TOTW 1 offers something for every budget and playstyle.

The slower power curve implementation means these cards will remain relevant far longer than in previous years, making them worthwhile investments for both competitive players and traders. Whether you’re hunting for that elite Haaland card or building a budget squad with hidden gems, TOTW 1 provides the perfect foundation for your FC 26 Ultimate Team journey.

Remember to bookmark this guide and check back weekly as we update with the latest TOTW releases throughout 2026. The next Team of the Week drops September 24, so prepare your packs and coins accordingly!

For real-time updates and community discussions, don’t forget to join the official EA SPORTS FC Discord and follow the latest announcements on social media. Good luck with your pack openings, and may the TOTW odds be ever in your favor!