How to Complete the 88+ Encore Icon Upgrade SBC in FC 26 Ultimate Team
By Alfie Carrington••3 min read
The Ultimate Team season is reaching its peak, and EA Sports has just dropped one of the most anticipated gamble packs of the year: the 88+ Encore Icon Upgrade. This SBC offers players a chance to secure some of the most prestigious cards in the game, including elusive versions from the TOTY, Future Stars, and the brand-new Time Warp promos. If you are looking to inject some legendary power into your starting XI, this is the challenge you have been waiting for.
86-Rated Squad
Exchange an 86-Rated Squad.
31,250
31,750
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
- •Team Rating: Min. 86
86-Rated Squad
Exchange an 86-Rated Squad.
30,500
31,750
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
- •Team Rating: Min. 86
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
35,000
32,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
35,250
31,750
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
35,500
38,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
Completing this set of five challenges rewards you with the highly coveted 88+ Encore Icon Player Pack. Along the way, you will also pick up several tradeable rewards, such as the Small Prime Electrum Players Pack and the Jumbo Gold Pack, which can help recoup some of the investment costs or provide additional fodder for the remaining segments.
Analyzing the Reward Pool: From TOTY to Time Warp Icons
The scope of this SBC is massive. By limiting the rating to 88 or higher, EA has effectively removed some of the lower-tier base Icons that often haunt these upgrades. The inclusion of Champion ICONs and Time Warp items means you could potentially land a card that is currently meta-defining. Historically, Icons like Pelé, Ronaldo, and Ruud Gullit have been the 'big wins,' but with the specific promo filters applied here, the floor for value is significantly higher than previous iterations.
- Winter Wildcards: High physical stats and unique playstyle combinations.
- Champion ICONs: Boasting premium chemistry and boosted attributes from major tournament simulations.
- Time Warp: The latest FC 26 innovation featuring legends in their absolute prime with custom animations.
- TOTY & Future Stars: The gold standard for endgame performance and high-speed gameplay.
Value Analysis and Market Impact
Currently, the estimated cost to complete this SBC is approximately 167,500 on consoles and 166,250 on PC. When comparing this to the 0 average market value of the players within the pool, it represents a significant gamble. However, because it is repeatable three times, many veteran players will use their duplicate high-rated fodder from rewards to mitigate the liquid coin cost.
The Legacy of Icons in FC 26
Icons represent more than just high stats; they are the history of football personified. Players like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho changed the way the game was played, bringing flair and tactical genius to the pitch. In FC 26, these cards maintain their 'Icon Chemistry,' providing a crucial link for squad building in a year where hybrid teams are more popular than ever. Pulling a top-tier Icon from this upgrade doesn't just improve your team—it defines it for the rest of the cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the 88+ Encore Icon Upgrade repeatable?
- Yes, you can complete this SBC up to 3 times before it expires.
- What is the expiration date for this SBC?
- The SBC expires on March 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM UTC.
- Can I get a base Icon from this pack?
- No, this pack specifically contains Winter Wildcards, Champion ICON, Time Warp, TOTY, or Future Stars Icon versions rated 88 or higher.
