1 of 4 88+ Encore Icon Player Pick SBC: How to Complete and Player Analysis
By Alfie Carrington••3 min read
The hunt for legendary talent reaches a new peak in FC 26 Ultimate Team with the release of the 1 of 4 88+ Encore Icon Player Pick. This elite Squad Building Challenge offers players a rare opportunity to secure some of the most prestigious cards in the game, including highly sought-after campaign versions like TOTY Icons and the newly introduced Time Warp items. With a minimum rating of 88, the floor for quality is high, making this one of the most tempting 'casino' SBCs released this season.
86-Rated Squad
Exchange an 86-Rated Squad.
30,250
29,750
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 86
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
33,750
31,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
34,000
32,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
33,250
32,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
42,750
40,250
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
88-Rated Squad
Exchange an 88-Rated Squad.
55,000
50,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 88
89-Rated Squad
Exchange an 89-Rated Squad.
92,500
85,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 89
Historical Impact and the Legend of Icons
Icons in FC 26 represent more than just high stats; they are a celebration of football's greatest legacies. This specific SBC pool includes TOTY Icons, which commemorate players who reached the absolute pinnacle of the sport during their respective eras. Legends like Johan Cruyff, who revolutionized football with the 'Total Football' philosophy at Ajax and Barcelona, and Zinedine Zidane, the embodiment of elegance who led France to World Cup glory in 1998, are the types of high-tier pulls that can define a club's success.
The inclusion of Champion Icons adds another layer of prestige. These cards, such as those for Andres Iniesta and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, celebrate specific moments where these stars secured major silverware. Meanwhile, the Time Warp promo features players like Ronaldinho and Andrea Pirlo with stats boosted to reflect their most dominant real-world performances, ensuring that even 'encore' versions remain competitive against the current power curve.
Reward Value and Cost Analysis
Completing the 1 of 4 88+ Encore Icon Player Pick requires a total of seven squads, making it a significant investment of club resources. Currently, the estimated cost is approximately 321,500 on consoles and 302,000 on PC. While the price is steep, the 0 generated from the individual challenge packs helps mitigate the cost.
As you progress through the seven segments, you will earn several high-value packs, including a Mega Pack, a Jumbo Premium Gold Pack, and several Jumbo Gold Packs. These packs provide extra opportunities to pull high-rated 'fodder' or even current promo cards, which can then be recycled back into the SBC.
- High Ceiling: The chance to pack a TOTY Icon worth millions of coins.
- Repeatability: Can be completed up to 3 times to maximize your chances.
- Chemistry: Icons provide critical chemistry links to all leagues and nations.
- Draft Style: The 1 of 4 pick format significantly reduces the risk of a 'dead' choice compared to single packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the 1 of 4 88+ Encore Icon Player Pick repeatable?
- Yes, you can complete this SBC up to 3 times before it expires on March 22, 2026.
- Which promos are included in the Encore Icon pool?
- The pool includes Unbreakables, Winter Wildcards, Champion ICONs, Time Warp, and TOTY Icons rated 88 or higher.
- What are the best packs earned from the challenges?
- The Mega Pack and the Jumbo Premium Gold Pack are the standout rewards from the individual squad requirements.
