FC 26 88+ Encore Icon Upgrade SBC: Requirements and Best Rewards Explained
By Alfie Carrington••3 min read
The hunt for legendary talent continues in FC 26 Ultimate Team with the release of the 88+ Encore Icon Upgrade Squad Building Challenge. This specific SBC is a dream for players looking to bolster their squads with some of the most prestigious cards in the game. Unlike standard Icon packs, the 'Encore' edition focuses on a curated selection of campaign versions, including Unbreakables, Winter Wildcards, Champion ICONs, Time Warp, and the highly coveted TOTY Icons. With a minimum rating of 88, the floor for quality is high, though the investment required is equally significant.
What is the 88+ Encore Icon Upgrade?
This SBC is designed to give players a shot at specialized Icon versions that were released during major promotions throughout the FC 26 cycle. By completing five distinct challenges, you earn a 88+ Encore Icon Player Pack. The inclusion of TOTY Icons makes this particularly enticing, as these cards represent the absolute pinnacle of performance, often featuring double PlayStyle+ attributes and stats that remain 'end-game' until the very conclusion of the season.
85-Rated Squad
Exchange an 85-Rated Squad.
14,250
14,750
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 85
86-Rated Squad
Exchange an 86-Rated Squad.
33,250
36,250
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
- •Team Rating: Min. 86
86-Rated Squad
Exchange an 86-Rated Squad.
33,250
37,500
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
- •Team Rating: Min. 86
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
38,250
39,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
88-Rated Squad
Exchange an 88-Rated Squad.
63,500
67,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 88
Cost Analysis and Reward Value
Completing this SBC requires a significant amount of high-rated fodder. Currently, the estimated market value to finish all five segments is approximately 182,500 on consoles and 195,000 on PC. While the price is steep, the 0 of the potential pulls can far exceed the entry cost if you manage to land a top-tier TOTY or Champion Icon.
The Prestige of Icons in Football History
Icons aren't just powerful cards; they represent the history of the beautiful game. From the technical wizardry of Ronaldinho to the clinical finishing of Gerd Müller, these players defined their eras. The TOTY Icons included in this pool represent the peak of their respective careers, mirroring the moments they were recognized as the best in the world. Landing a card like TOTY Mia Hamm or TOTY Rio Ferdinand can transform a defense or attack instantly, offering chemistry links that make squad building significantly easier.
Breakdown of Reward Packs
- 82-Rated Squad: Returns a Gold Pack
- 85-Rated Squad: Returns a Small Prime Mixed Players Pack
- 86-Rated Squad: Returns a Small Prime Mixed Players Pack
- 87-Rated Squad: Returns a Jumbo Gold Pack
- 88-Rated Squad: Returns a Gold Players Pack
Is the 88+ Encore Icon Upgrade Worth It?
Whether this SBC is 'worth it' depends largely on your current squad depth and your tolerance for risk. Because the pool includes Winter Wildcards and Time Warp items, there is a chance of pulling a card that is slightly behind the current power curve despite the 88+ rating floor. However, the chance to hit a TOTY Icon—cards that often cost millions on the transfer market—is the primary draw. Given that it is repeatable three times, it is an excellent place to dump high-rated duplicates from your club.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the 88+ Encore Icon Upgrade expire?
- The SBC is scheduled to expire on March 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM UTC.
- How many times can I complete this SBC?
- You can complete the full set of five challenges up to three times.
- What is the minimum rating of the Icon I will receive?
- The guaranteed reward is an Icon rated 88 or higher from the specified promo sets.
