The EA Sports FC 26 content cycle keeps gaining momentum, and today brings one of the busiest updates so far. The long-awaited Core Team 2 squad is now live, the flashy “Moon Turtle” Dembélé SBC has dropped, and a brand-new promo called Ratings Reload appears to be on the horizon. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new, what’s worth your coins, and what to expect next.
The Arrival of Core Team 2
Leading the new Core Team 2 lineup is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who takes the title of this week’s “Card King.” On console, his new special version is valued around 1.6 million FC 26 coins, while on PC it’s closer to two million. The card features a six-point pace increase, slight attribute boosts across the board, and a new Crystal Ball Control skill move. Despite these tweaks, the improvements don’t justify the massive price tag — this is clearly a card driven more by fan passion than gameplay performance. Unless you’re a devoted CR7 collector, it’s hard to recommend spending that much.
Other expensive inclusions such as Wirtz and Pina hover near the million-coin mark, but offer only marginal upgrades. In contrast, players like Thuram and João Neves are emerging as budget-friendly standouts. Each costs roughly 200,000 FC 26 coins and provides a far better return for those looking to build competitive squads without draining their balance. Meanwhile, defenders such as Arnold and Balde add solid chemistry options — particularly for Barcelona-themed teams — though their prices might still feel steep for players watching every coin.
The Controversial “Moon Turtle” Dembélé SBC
The star of today’s update, at least in conversation, is the “Moon Turtle” Ousmane Dembélé SBC. His gold card currently sits around 2.8 million FC 26 coins, while completing the SBC requires roughly 3.6 million FC 26 coins. The problem? The improvement is minimal — a small bump in a few stats and the addition of a Quick Step trait.
For casual or free-to-play users, this challenge simply isn’t worth the grind. Even for mid-tier spenders, the value proposition remains weak. Yet for heavy investors or collectors, the card has a certain charm. Its half-body dynamic image looks stunning in-game, and owning one has a sense of prestige. Still, it’s more of a vanity project than a genuine performance upgrade, which makes it one of the more polarizing SBCs in recent memory.
A Hidden Gem from Atlético Madrid
Not every addition this week breaks the bank. The new Hanzic SBC from Atlético Madrid is a refreshing surprise for players on a budget. Costing around 6,000 FC 26 coins, Hanzic combines 80 pace with 85 defending and 85 physicality, making him a surprisingly balanced center-back. His traits — including Slide Tackle, Aerial Duel Specialist, and Long Passer — give him a real presence on the pitch. For anyone running a La Liga setup or needing Spanish chemistry links, he’s a smart, low-risk pickup that performs above his price bracket.
Evolution System Adds a New Layer
EA has also rolled out a fresh Striker Evolution for 83-rated forwards, available for 20,000 FC 26 coins or 360 FC Points. While capped at 85 pace and limited to three-star skills and weak foot, the upgrade potential is among the most generous to date, reaching up to +5 overall rating. The added ability to switch to the CAM position also opens up tactical flexibility for formations like the 4-2-3-1. Players such as Trejo, Cunha, Rutter, or Gabriel Jesus are proving to be excellent candidates for this evolution, which strikes a good balance between affordability and impact.
What We Know About “Ratings Reload”
Perhaps the most exciting part of today’s news isn’t even in the game yet. Reliable sources have leaked information about a new promo titled Ratings Reload. The concept appears to center on community feedback — specifically, upgrading players whose base cards were underrated at launch. It’s a clever way for EA to re-engage the player base while aligning the game more closely with real-world performance.
Among the rumored headliners are Michael Olise, Ekitike, and João Pedro, all of whom have impressed in recent matches but received conservative ratings earlier in the season. Leaks suggest that EA may even invite the community to vote — potentially through Reddit or EA forums — to decide which players deserve their “reload.” If true, this could become one of the most interactive and fan-driven events in the FC series so far.
Upcoming Rewards and Final Thoughts
Two new objective players have also surfaced in early data: Turner from the NWSL, with solid pace and physical attributes, and Benrahma, now representing the Saudi League after his Premier League stint. Both cards are expected to be usable options for hybrid squads and worth saving for future challenges such as Ultimate Trials.
All things considered, the latest update delivers a mix of excitement and frustration. The Moon Turtle Dembélé may look incredible but struggles to justify its astronomical cost. Hanzic offers a rare case of genuine value, while the new Striker Evolution gives players something meaningful to experiment with. Above all, the Ratings Reload leak promises a fresh wave of content that could reshape squad-building strategies in the weeks ahead.
For now, the smartest move is to hold your coins, keep your fodder ready, and stay tuned for EA’s official confirmation of the new promo. The next phase of FC26 Ultimate Team is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic yet — and as always, we’ll be here to break it all down for you, one update at a time.
