How to Get Icons in FC 26
Icons are the most prestigious player items in FC 26 Ultimate Team. These legendary footballers represent the greatest players in history and are available in multiple versions throughout the game cycle. Because of their rarity, chemistry flexibility, and elite stats, Icons are some of the hardest but most rewarding cards to obtain in FC 26.
What Are Icons in FC 26?
Icons are special Ultimate Team cards that celebrate football legends from different eras. Unlike regular players, Icons link with all leagues and clubs, making squad building much easier. In FC 26, Icons come in several versions depending on the promo cycle, including Base Icons, special promo Icons, and upgraded versions tied to events like Winter Wildcards, Team of the Year, or Ultimate Scream.
Packing Icons
The most direct way to get an Icon is by packing one from Ultimate Team packs, although this is also the rarest method. Icons can appear in packs while they are eligible in the current pack pool. The chances increase slightly when opening high-tier packs with special item probabilities, but there are no guarantees unless stated.
Icons can be packed from:
- Ultimate packs and jumbo rare player packs
- Promo packs during major events
- Seasonal rewards packs opened during Icon availability
- Objective and milestone reward packs
Packing an Icon is always luck-based, so this method is best treated as a bonus rather than a strategy.
Icon SBCs
Squad Building Challenges are the most reliable way to obtain Icons in FC 26. EA regularly releases Icon SBCs that allow you to exchange squads of players for a guaranteed Icon reward. These SBCs usually require high-rated players, Team of the Week items, or multiple completed squads.
There are two main types of Icon SBCs:
- Specific player Icon SBCs that reward one named Icon
- Icon upgrade SBCs that reward a random Icon from a defined pool
Icon SBCs are expensive, but they allow you to convert unused players and fodder into an Icon without relying purely on pack luck.
Objectives and Seasonal Progress
While full Icons are rarely given directly through objectives, FC 26 often includes Icon-related rewards in seasonal progression and promo objectives. These can include loan Icons, Icon upgrade packs, or progress toward SBC completion through fodder rewards.
Completing weekly objectives, seasonal ladders, and promo milestones consistently helps build the club value needed to afford Icon SBCs later in the cycle.
Transfer Market
Icons can also be bought directly from the Transfer Market if you have enough coins. Prices vary heavily depending on the Icon’s popularity, rating, and current promo cycle. Early in the game, Icons are extremely expensive, but prices usually drop over time as more supply enters the market.
Trading, investing, and smart coin management are essential if you plan to buy Icons rather than rely on SBCs or packs.
Promo Events Featuring Icons
Many major FC 26 promos include special Icon versions with boosted stats or unique designs. Events such as Winter Wildcards, Team of the Year, Ultimate Scream, and Thunderstruck often introduce Icons into packs or SBCs for a limited time.
Opening saved packs or completing SBCs during these promos gives you the best chance to obtain upgraded Icon versions.
Loans and Try-Outs
Icon loan items are frequently available through objectives, SBCs, or early-game rewards. While these are temporary, they are useful for testing Icons before committing coins or fodder to a full version. Loan Icons also help complete objectives that require Icon players.
Best Strategy to Get Icons
The most effective way to get Icons in FC 26 is through a long-term approach. Regular gameplay rewards, careful fodder management, and selective SBC completion provide the highest chance of success. Buying Icons outright is best reserved for experienced traders or late-game stages when prices stabilize.
Icons are not meant to be easy to obtain. Their rarity and prestige are what make them special, and building toward one is often part of the Ultimate Team journey itself.