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EA FC 26 Nico Paz Cornerstones SBC (2025 Guide) Solutions & Value
By: Osama
Updated On: September 30, 2025
The EA FC 26 Nico Paz Cornerstones SBC costs approximately 33,000 coins and requires completing four squad challenges including an 84-rated squad, an 83-rated squad, a Serie A challenge, and an Argentina challenge. The 85-rated CAM card features 82 Pace, 83 Shooting, 84 Passing, 85 Dribbling, and 70 Physical, along with valuable PlayStyles like Finesse Shot, Inventive, and Incisive Pass, making him an excellent creative midfielder for Serie A-based squads.
Quick Overview
Attribute
Details
Overall Rating
85 CAM
Total Cost
~33,000 coins
Number of Squads
4 challenges
Key Stats
82 PAC, 83 SHO, 84 PAS, 85 DRI
Club Chemistry Boost
+2 links
Expiry Date
Check in-game timer
As we dive deeper into week two of the Cornerstones promo, I'm here to break down everything you need to know about completing this exciting SBC featuring Como's Argentine sensation who's been turning heads in Serie A with his exceptional playmaking abilities.
Contents
Understanding the Cornerstones Promo
The Cornerstones campaign highlights players who are central to their teams' success, including reliable leaders, key long-term signings, and young talents stepping up as club foundations. These special cards come with permanent stat upgrades and, most importantly, provide an enhanced +2 Club Chemistry link that makes squad building significantly easier in the early game cycle.
The 21-year-old Argentine has been in sensational form for Serie A club Como, delivering both goals and assists in equal measure. At 6'1" (186cm) with a left foot, Paz combines physical presence with technical brilliance, making him a unique option in the CAM position.
Complete Squad Requirements & Cheapest Solutions
Squad 1: 84-Rated Squad
Requirements:
Minimum Team Rating: 84
Squad Size: 11 players
Budget Solution (~12,000 coins):
GK: Ilkay Gündogan (83) - Manchester City
DEF: Nacho Fernández (82) - Al Qadisiyah
DEF: João Cancelo (82) - Barcelona
DEF: Jules Koundé (82) - Barcelona
MID: Pedri (83) - Barcelona
MID: İlkay Gündoğan (83) - Barcelona
MID: Frenkie de Jong (83) - Barcelona
ATT: Leroy Sané (83) - Bayern Munich
ATT: Serge Gnabry (82) - Bayern Munich
ATT: Kingsley Coman (82) - Bayern Munich
ATT: Joshua Kimmich (83) - Bayern Munich
Pro Tip: Focus on high-rated players from top leagues who have dropped in price. La Liga and Bundesliga often provide the best value for 82-84 rated cards.
Squad 2: 83-Rated Squad
Requirements:
Minimum Team Rating: 83
Squad Size: 11 players
Budget Solution (~10,000 coins):
GK: Mike Maignan (82) - AC Milan
DEF: Marquinhos (82) - PSG
DEF: Milan Škriniar (81) - PSG
DEF: Lucas Hernández (81) - PSG
MID: Marco Verratti (82) - Al-Arabi
MID: Vitinha (81) - PSG
MID: Warren Zaïre-Emery (80) - PSG
ATT: Ousmane Dembélé (82) - PSG
ATT: Gonçalo Ramos (81) - PSG
ATT: Randal Kolo Muani (81) - PSG
ATT: Bradley Barcola (80) - PSG
Squad 3: Serie A Challenge
Requirements:
Minimum Team Rating: 82
Minimum 1 Player from Serie A
Budget Solution (~7,000 coins):
Serie A Player: Theo Hernández (82) - AC Milan
Supporting Cast:
Thibaut Courtois (81) - Real Madrid
David Alaba (81) - Real Madrid
Antonio Rüdiger (81) - Real Madrid
Ferland Mendy (80) - Real Madrid
Eduardo Camavinga (80) - Real Madrid
Aurélien Tchouaméni (81) - Real Madrid
Federico Valverde (81) - Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham (82) - Real Madrid
Vinícius Jr. (82) - Real Madrid
Rodrygo (81) - Real Madrid
Squad 4: Argentina Challenge
Requirements:
Minimum Team Rating: 81
Minimum 1 Player from Argentina
Budget Solution (~4,000 coins):
Argentina Player: Nicolás Otamendi (79) - Benfica
Supporting Cast:
Rui Patrício (79) - Roma
Mats Hummels (79) - Roma
Niklas Süle (79) - Borussia Dortmund
Emre Can (79) - Borussia Dortmund
Julian Brandt (79) - Borussia Dortmund
Marcel Sabitzer (79) - Borussia Dortmund
Donyell Malen (79) - Borussia Dortmund
Karim Adeyemi (79) - Borussia Dortmund
Sébastien Haller (79) - Borussia Dortmund
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (77) - Borussia Dortmund
Detailed Player Stats Analysis
Base Statistics (85-Rated)
The Cornerstones Nico Paz card boasts impressive stats across the board:
Core Attributes:
Pace: 82 - Solid acceleration and sprint speed for a CAM
Shooting: 83 - Clinical finishing with excellent shot power
Passing: 84 - Elite vision and through ball accuracy
Dribbling: 85 - Silky smooth ball control and agility
Defending: 36 - Expected low for an attacking midfielder
Physical: 70 - Decent strength for his height
Detailed Breakdown:
Acceleration: 79
Sprint Speed: 84
Positioning: 82
Finishing: 81
Shot Power: 85
Long Shots: 84
Vision: 86
Short Passing: 85
Long Passing: 82
Curve: 83
Agility: 84
Balance: 82
Ball Control: 86
Composure: 83
PlayStyles That Make the Difference
Paz comes equipped with three valuable PlayStyles: Finesse Shot for curved finishing, Inventive for enhanced fancy passes and Trivela accuracy, and Incisive Pass for superior through balls and swerve passes. While he lacks any PlayStyle+ traits, these base PlayStyles are proving highly effective in the current meta.
Finesse Shot: Performs finesse shots faster with additional curve and improved accuracy - perfect for those edge-of-box opportunities.
Inventive: Fancy and Trivela passes are performed with improved accuracy - ideal for unlocking tight defenses with creative passing.
Incisive Pass: Through Passes are far more accurate, Swerve Passes are delivered with maximum curve - essential for a playmaking CAM.
Is Nico Paz Worth Completing? In-Depth Value Analysis
The Case FOR Completing
Exceptional Value at 33K: For approximately 33,000 coins, you're getting an 85-rated CAM with well-rounded stats that can compete with cards worth double the price.
Perfect Height/Body Type Combo: At 6'1" with 70 Physical, Paz won't be easily muscled off the ball while maintaining excellent agility for his size.
4-Star Skill Moves: Execute advanced skill moves like Ball Rolls, Heel to Heel Flicks, and the deadly Berba Spin.
Serie A Links: With Como in Serie A, Paz links perfectly with meta players like Theo Hernández, Mike Maignan, and the upcoming Serie A special cards.
Chemistry Boost: The +2 Club Chemistry makes him invaluable for hybrid squads, especially early in the game cycle.
Left-Footed Advantage: As a left-footed CAM, he offers something different from the typical right-footed options.
Potential Drawbacks
No PlayStyle+ Traits: Unlike some premium SBCs, Paz lacks enhanced PlayStyles that could elevate him to elite status.
3-Star Weak Foot: The weak foot limitation might frustrate players who prefer more versatile attackers.
Average Defending: With 36 defending, don't expect him to contribute much when tracking back.
No Real Face: For those who value aesthetics, the generic face model might be disappointing.
Verdict: Absolutely Worth It
I strongly recommend completing this SBC if you have the coins or fodder available. The combination of his 6'1" frame with 80+ stats in Pace, Shooting, Passing, and Dribbling creates a unique profile that's hard to find elsewhere at this price point. He's particularly valuable for players building Serie A squads or looking for a reliable CAM to carry them through the early game cycle.
Best Chemistry Styles & Custom Tactics
Recommended Chemistry Styles
Engine (Top Choice)
+3 Pace, +3 Dribbling
Boosts key acceleration and agility
Maximizes his playmaking potential
Hunter (Offensive Focus)
+3 Pace, +3 Shooting
Transforms him into a goal-scoring threat
Perfect for false 9 formations
Maestro (Balanced Option)
+3 Shooting, +3 Passing, +3 Dribbling
Enhances his creative abilities
Ideal for possession-based play
Custom Tactics Setup
Position: CAM in 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow
Instructions:
Stay Forward
Conservative Interceptions
Free Roam (optional for creative freedom)
Player Instructions for Maximum Impact:
Get Into Box for Cross: Yes
Stay on Edge of Box for Cross: No
Balanced Attack Support
Squad Building Ideas & Hybrid Options
Budget Serie A Squad (Under 100K)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI:
GK: Mike Maignan (Serie A)
RB: Denzel Dumfries (Serie A)
CB: Milan Škriniar (Serie A)
CB: Alessandro Bastoni (Serie A)
LB: Theo Hernández (Serie A)
CDM: Nicolò Barella (Serie A)
CDM: Marcelo Brozović (Saudi Pro)
RAM: Federico Chiesa (Serie A)
CAM: Nico Paz (Cornerstones)
LAM: Rafael Leão (Serie A)
ST: Lautaro Martínez (Serie A)
Argentine Hybrid (150K Budget)
Formation: 4-3-3(4)
Key Links:
CAM: Nico Paz
ST: Julián Álvarez
LW: Ángel Di María
RW: Alejandro Garnacho
CM: Enzo Fernández
CDM: Rodrigo De Paul
Tips for Completing the SBC Cost-Effectively
1. Timing is Everything
Complete the SBC during Weekend League rewards (Thursday) or Division Rivals rewards (Thursday morning) when the market is flooded with cards.
2. Use Your Untradeable Fodder
Check your club for untradeable 81-83 rated players that aren't making your main squad.
3. Mass Bidding Strategy
Place minimum bids on multiple 82-83 rated cards during off-peak hours (2-6 AM your local time).
4. League SBC Method
Complete League SBCs that reward 82-84 rated players to use as fodder.
5. Bronze Pack Method (BPM)
Open bronze packs, sell valuable cards, and use the profit to fund the SBC.
Slightly worse than: Gold Bellingham (86), Gold De Bruyne (87)
Nico Paz vs. Other Cornerstones SBCs
Compared to Mateo Retegui's Cornerstones SBC at 10,000 coins, Paz offers better overall stats and versatility despite the higher price. Against Martin Zubimendi's 90,000-coin SBC, Paz represents significantly better value for attacking-minded players.
Market Impact & Investment Potential
Fodder Market Effects
The release of this SBC has caused:
82-83 rated cards to rise 15-20% in price
Serie A players to increase by 10-15%
Argentine players to maintain steady prices
Future Outlook
As more Cornerstones cards release, Paz's value will likely:
Remain stable due to Serie A chemistry links
Potentially rise if Como receives more special cards
Hold value until Team of the Year (January 2025)
Community Resources & External Links
Official Resources
Official EA FC Discord Server - Join over 92,000 members for real-time discussions, squad building advice, and the latest game updates
The Nico Paz Cornerstones SBC typically runs for 7-14 days. Always check the in-game timer for exact expiration.
Can I use loan players in the SBC?
No, loan players cannot be submitted in any SBC including this one.
Will Paz get further upgrades?
Cornerstones cards receive permanent upgrades but don't get additional boosts throughout the season like dynamic cards.
What's the best formation for Nico Paz?
He excels in central CAM positions in 4-2-3-1, 4-1-2-1-2 narrow, or as a CM in 4-1-2-1-2 formations.
Should I wait for better Cornerstones cards?
While future releases might offer alternatives, Paz's combination of stats, height, and value make him worth completing now.
Can I complete this SBC without buying players?
With sufficient untradeable fodder and rewards from objectives, it's possible to complete for minimal coins.
Does Chemistry Style affect PlayStyles?
No, Chemistry Styles only boost base stats, not PlayStyle effectiveness.
Is Paz better than the new Kudus objective card?
While Mohammed Kudus offers pace and different league options, Paz provides superior passing and height advantages for central positions.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
The EA FC 26 Nico Paz Cornerstones SBC represents outstanding value in the current market. For just 33,000 coins, you're securing a versatile, well-rounded CAM who can anchor your midfield for months to come. His unique combination of height, technical ability, and Serie A links makes him a must-complete SBC for most players.
I particularly recommend this card for:
Serie A squad builders
Players seeking affordable elite CAMs
Hybrid squad enthusiasts
Anyone preparing for future Serie A objectives
Don't sleep on this opportunity - complete the Nico Paz SBC before it expires and enjoy one of the best value cards in early EA FC 26!
Update Schedule & Latest News
Last Updated: October 2025
Stay tuned for:
Weekly Cornerstones Team 2 releases (Fridays, 10 AM PT)
Potential Evolution compatibility updates
Market price fluctuations
Community squad showcases
Remember to check back regularly as we update this guide with the latest strategies and market trends. Happy squad building, and may your packs be filled with Cornerstones!
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