If you're looking to maximize your EA FC 26 Ultimate Team experience on a budget, you've come to the right place. With the market fluctuating due to recent events like Black Friday and the Thunderstruck promo, player prices are all over the place. To help you navigate this dynamic landscape, YouTuber Team Gullit crafted five different squads tailored to budgets ranging from 100K to 2.5 million FIFA coins.
100K Coin Squad (4-5-1)
For those starting out or working with a tight budget, the 100K coin squad offers a competitive lineup in the 4-5-1 flat formation, one of the most effective setups in FC 26.
- Goalkeeper: Chevalier
- Defense: Frimpong (RB), Marquinhos (CB), Pacho (CB), Balde (LB)
Frimpong and Balde bring excellent pace at fullback positions for minimal cost, while Marquinhos and Pacho provide top-tier defensive capabilities for just 15K coins combined. Marquinhos, in particular, is still considered one of the top center-backs despite being a gold card.
- Midfield: Caisedo (CM), Tijjani Reijnders (RCM), Vitinha (LCM), Rodrygo (RM), Salma Parallelo (LM)
Caisedo excels with his Pinged Pass, Intercept, and Tiki Taka playstyles, making him perfect for the central midfield role. Tijjani Reijnders offers box-to-box versatility, while Vitinha adds creativity as the attacking midfielder.
Salma Parallelo is a budget-friendly option with blistering pace that mimics Mbappé's ability to destroy fullbacks.
- Striker: Claudia Pina
Pina is an unmatched forward in this price range, offering consistent performance without needing further justification.
300K Coin Squad (4-4-1-1)
For those with a bit more flexibility, the 300K coin squad shifts to a 4-4-1-1 formation to increase tactical options.
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
A solid keeper for just 8.8K coins, Raya also helps with chemistry.
- Defense: Kounde (RB), Saliba (CB), Marquinhos (CB), Nuno Mendes (LB)
Kounde is among the best defensive right-backs due to his physicality. Saliba partners with Marquinhos for a robust center-back pairing, while Nuno Mendes is a top-three left-back in the game.
- Midfield: Tijjani Reijnders (RCM), Frankie de Jong (LCM), Nico Williams (RM), Kvaratskhelia (LM)
Reijnders and Frankie de Jong provide balance and control in midfield, while Kvaratskhelia offers technical ability and finishing prowess.
- CAM: Bonmati
Bonmati adds flair and creativity as the central attacking midfielder—a steal at this budget level.
- Striker: Claudia Pina
Pina remains irreplaceable at this price point.
500K Coin Squad (4-4-1-1)
The 500K coin squad introduces some exciting upgrades while maintaining the effective 4-4-1-1 formation.
- Goalkeeper and Defense: Raya (GK), Timber (RCB), Marquinhos (LCB), Nuno Mendes (LB), Marcos Llorente (RB)
Timber brings excellent defensive stats and physicality.
- Midfield: Caisedo (CM), Tijjani Reijnders (CM), Nico Williams (RM), and Reiten (LM)
Reiten's Finesse Shot+ playstyle makes her an invaluable asset post-patch, where goalkeeper movement has been nerfed.
- CAM: Sissi
Sissi's upgraded icon card is a game-changer at this level, offering elite playmaking abilities for just over 180K coins.
- Striker: Claudia Pina
A consistent performer who remains a staple across all budget levels.
1 Million Coin Squad (4-5-1)
Stepping into the seven-figure range allows you to craft a truly competitive squad using the versatile 4-5-1 formation.
- Goalkeeper and Defense: Courtois (GK), Diogo Dalot (RB), Eder Militao (RCB), Marquinhos (LCB), Alvaro Carreras (LB)
Diogo Dalot has the important Intercept and Quick Step playstyles, and Militao brings elite defensive attributes. Alvaro Carreras, with the Intercept playstyle, is one of the best defensive LBs in the game.
- Midfield: Vitinha (RCM), Seger (CM), Bonmati (LCM), Pedro Neto (RM), Paralluelo (LM)
Seger's Intercept and Tiki Taka playstyles make her ideal for this setup. Pedro Neto is an underrated gem whose value far exceeds his cost.
Parallelo's upgraded version brings even more explosiveness on the left flank.
- Striker: Claudia Pina
2.5 Million Coin Squad (4-5-1)
Finally, we reach the pinnacle of squad-building with a luxurious budget of 2.5 million coins. This team focuses on quality over quantity, with much of the budget allocated to one standout player.
- Goalkeeper and Defense: Chevalier (GK), Kounde (CB), Marquinhos (CB), Alvaro Carreras (LB), Diogo Dalot (RB)
- Midfield: Frankie de Jong (CM), Tijjani Reijnders (RCM), Bonmati (LCM), Pedro Neto (RM)
- Strikers: Claudia Pina + Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé is a game-changing player who elevates this squad to new heights. His pace, finishing, and overall impact are unparalleled.
Conclusion
Whether you're working with a modest 100K budget or splurging on a 2.5 million coin squad, these lineups provide optimal performance for their respective price points. Each team is designed with chemistry, balance, and playstyle in mind, ensuring you can compete effectively in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team.
As you build your squad, remember that these teams are also highly upgradeable. With better rewards or additional coins, you can easily swap out players like Chevalier or Kounde for even higher-tier options.
If you found this video useful, don't forget to share it with your fellow FC 26 fans and subscribe to Team Gullit's channel.
