The FC 26 Ultimate Team community is abuzz with the latest announcement:a brand-new Icon Squad Building Challenge (SBC) featuring an 87+ Base Icon reward. Icons are the cornerstone of any strong Ultimate Team, transcending eras, leagues, and chemistry restrictions. With legendary players like Pelé, Maradona, Cruyff, Gullit, Hamm, and Eusébio already teased, this SBC represents a massive opportunity for players to bolster their squads with timeless talent. Proper preparation is crucial to EA FC 26 Coins  maximize rewards and minimize unnecessary costs. In this guide, we'll break down how to get ready for the 87+ Base Icon Challenge, including player selection, SBC strategy, and tips to optimize your Ultimate Team.
Understanding the Significance of Icon SBCs
Icons in FC 26 are more than just highly rated cards. They bring flexibility, versatility, and unmatched chemistry benefits to your squad. They can link players from different leagues and nations, allowing for creative formations and dream teams that were previously impossible. An 87+ Base Icon is a substantial addition, as it sits at a competitive rating capable of enhancing both your starting XI and your squad depth.
The SBC format makes these Icons accessible to a wider audience, but it also comes with specific requirements, often including squad ratings, chemistry targets, and player nationality or league restrictions. Preparing ahead of time allows players to complete the challenge efficiently without overspending coins or resorting to last-minute pack openings.
Step 1:Assess Your Current Squad
Before the SBC drops, evaluate your current squad and identify areas where you have surplus or underutilized players. This step is critical because the most expensive part of completing Icon SBCs is often filling the squad with high-rated cards. Look for:
High-Rated Players in Redundant Positions:If you have multiple 85+ players in the same position, consider using one in the SBC.
Duplicate Players:Extra copies of the same player, even if not part of your main squad, can be invaluable for SBCs.
Untradeable Squad Members:If you have untradeable cards that meet SBC requirements, using them can save coins while keeping your squad intact.
Organizing your roster early allows you to make strategic decisions on which cards to sacrifice and which to keep for future objectives.
Step 2:Stock Up on Key Leagues and Nations
SBCs often require specific squad compositions to challenge the player's team-building skills. To prepare for the 87+ Base Icon SBC, start by ensuring you have cards from a variety of leagues and nations. Some tips include:
Popular Leagues:Cards from the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A are frequently required. Make sure you have enough mid-to-high rated players from these leagues ready.
Common Nationalities:Nations like Brazil, Spain, Germany, and France appear often in SBC requirements. Holding onto versatile players from these countries can make completing requirements easier.
Position Flexibility:Players who can play multiple positions help you meet formation requirements without sacrificing chemistry or squad rating.
Purchasing key league or nationality cards in advance can save significant coins, as prices tend to spike once the SBC is officially released.
Step 3:Budgeting and Market Monitoring
One of the most critical aspects of preparing for an Icon SBC is managing your coins effectively. The FC 26 market can fluctuate drastically when rumors or announcements of high-value SBCs surface. Consider the following:
Monitor Card Prices:Keep track of the prices of high-rated players and potential SBC fodder in the days leading up to the challenge. Buying early can prevent inflated costs when the community rushes to complete the SBC.
Set a Coin Budget:Decide how much you're willing to spend on completing the SBC versus saving for other FUT objectives. Overspending on a single SBC can limit your ability to invest in other areas of your team.
Sell Unnecessary Assets:Coins from selling players you won't use in your squad can fund SBC completion. Focus on cards that are in high demand or have minimal long-term value to you.
Strategic market activity and budgeting will allow you to complete the SBC efficiently and secure the 87+ Base Icon without unnecessary stress.
Step 4:Plan Your Squad Around Chemistry
Even if you have all the required players, chemistry is often the make-or-break factor in SBC completion. Remember:
Prioritize Links:Positioning and nationality/league links are critical. Ensure that high-rated players fit naturally into the squad to avoid chemistry issues.
Use Versatile Cards:Some cards can play multiple positions, helping you maximize chemistry while meeting rating requirements.
Consider Hybrid Solutions:If certain players are expensive or scarce, hybrid solutions using lower-rated but positionally compatible players can help you meet squad and chemistry thresholds.
Proper planning reduces trial-and-error during the SBC, which can save both coins and time.
Step 5:Timing and SBC Release Strategy
Timing is a crucial factor in successfully completing high-profile SBCs. Consider these points:
Complete Early if Possible:Prices often spike immediately after an SBC is released. Completing the challenge early can secure the Icon at a lower overall coin cost.
Watch for Objectives and Discounts:Sometimes, EA releases additional objectives or promo events that reduce the number of required players or boost their value. Waiting for these opportunities can save coins and improve your overall investment.
Check Community Insights:Forums, social media, and FUT content creators often provide early insights and solutions for new SBCs, including optimal squad compositions and cost-saving strategies.
By coordinating timing with market trends and community strategies, you can maximize your return on investment while securing the coveted 87+ Base Icon.
Conclusion
The upcoming 87+ Base Icon SBC in FC 26 is set to be one of the most impactful content releases of the early Ultimate Team cycle. Icons like Pelé, Maradona, Cruyff, Gullit, Hamm, and Eusébio represent a unique opportunity to strengthen your squad with players that transcend eras and chemistry restrictions. Preparing for this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach:assessing your current squad, stocking up on key leagues and nationalities, monitoring the market, budgeting effectively, planning chemistry, and timing your SBC completion strategically.
By following these steps, you can confidently approach the 87+ Base Icon challenge and maximize your rewards. Proper preparation ensures that when the SBC goes live, you'll be ready to secure a legendary player, elevate your squad, and gain a competitive edge in FC 26 Ultimate Team. Whether you are an experienced FUT veteran or a newer player, this SBC offers a chance to cheap EAFC 26 Coins  add a truly iconic figure to your team and shape the foundation of your Ultimate Team for months to come.