Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting budget-friendly and competitive starter squads in EA FC 26! Whether you're gearing up for the first Weekend League or simply looking to dominate early matches, Ollelito's squads offer a mix of pace, physicality, and versatility—all while staying within a manageable budget.
Squad One (4-4-1-1 Formation)
This hybrid squad incorporates players from Ligue 1, the French league, and some from the Portuguese league, focusing on pace and versatility. Built with a budget of 30-40K FC 26 coins, it's achievable before the first Weekend League.
*The site that is used in this guide is futmind.com.
Goalkeeper: Lucas Chevalier
Chevalier has solid stats: 84 diving, 84 speed, and 86 reflexes, plus he stands at 190 cm, making him a decent keeper.
Tip: Avoid Premier League players at the start—they're often overhyped and more expensive, with prices usually dropping just before the week league starts.
Right Back: Malo Gusto
While Malo Gusto plays in the Premier League, there aren't many good right-backs available initially. His 84 pace, 78 dribbling, and respectable defending (73) make him a reliable choice for your backline.
Center Backs: Antonio Silva and Tomas Araujo
At the start of the game, pace is crucial since we don't know the meta yet. Both players have good pace: Silva with 80 and Araujo with 82. Their defending stats are also decent, with 78 and 77, respectively, and physical ratings of 80 and 79. This duo should perform well early on.
Left Back: Francisco José García Torres
Fran Garcia may only have one chemistry point, but his 89 pace is fantastic for a fullback at the start. He's left-footed, has 78 dribbling, and is excellent for pushing forward in attack.
Midfielders: Bruma, Feller, Rios, and Thuram
For wingers, pace is essential, and Armindo Tué Na Bangna has 88 pace and 81 dribbling. He can also play as a CAM, which adds versatility.
On the right side, Naomie Feller from Real Madrid is a standout winger with electrifying stats: 91 pace, 80 shooting, and 81 dribbling. While she might be slightly pricier due to her rating, her impact on the pitch is undeniable.
Ríos and Thuram are your midfield anchors in this formation. Rios features 81 pace, 82 dribbling, and 82 physical, while Turam has similar stats. Both will provide a strong presence in the midfield.
Attacking Midfielder: Trincão
Francisco Trincão may lack explosive pace, but his 84 dribbling and versatility (can also play as a striker) make him a valuable asset.
Striker: Muani
Leading the line is Randal Kolo Muani, who is expected to be one of the most sought-after players at launch. With 90 pace and 80 dribbling, Muani combines speed and control to terrorize defenses.
Squad Two (4-3-3 Formation)
The second squad features some hidden gems. The Saudi league could be a fantastic option this year, offering some affordable players.
Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
Yassine Bounou from Al-Hilal is a dependable option in goal. His height and shot-stopping abilities make him a reliable presence during crucial moments.
Fullbacks: Frankowski and Oosterwolde
Przemysław Frankowski and Jayden Oosterwolde are the fullbacks who have impressive pace at 87 and 88, respectively, though their defending stats could be better.
Center Backs: Ibanez and Sánchez
Roger Ibañez da Silva may be a bit pricier, but he offers 87 pace and solid defending stats. Alongside him is Davinson Sánchez from Galatasaray, featuring 82 pace, 82 defending, and 88 physical.
Central Midfielders: Lemina and Kessié
In midfield, Mario Lemina provides defensive stability while Franck Yannick Kessié excels as a box-to-box player with strong physical attributes.
Attacking Midfielder: Malcom Filipe Silva de Oliveira
At CAM, Malcom stands out as a hidden gem with 89 pace and versatile positioning options.
Forwards: Yılmaz, Akgün, and En-Nesyri
The left winger is Barış Alper Yılmaz, boasting 93 pace and 90 physical, making him a dangerous option. On the right, Yunus Akgün has 87 pace and can play multiple positions, providing flexibility. For the striker, Youssef En-Nesyri fits the bill with 79 pace and 81 shooting.
Final Thoughts
Both squads provide excellent options for starting your FC 26 journey without breaking the bank. Depending on your preferred playstyle and budget, either setup can help you dominate early matches and prepare for more competitive gameplay during the Weekend League.
Remember to monitor player prices closely as launch day approaches—early investments can save you coins in the long run. Good luck building your dream team. Last but not least, if you found this guide helpful, please don't forget to subscribe to Ollelito's channel for more content in the future.
