FC 26 Guide: How to Complete the 1 of 3 88+ Encore Icon Player Pick SBC
By Alfie Carrington••3 min read
The pursuit of greatness in FC 26 Ultimate Team often leads players to the most prestigious items in the game: Icons. The newly released 1 of 3 88+ Encore Icon Player Pick offers a high-stakes opportunity to add legendary talent to your squad. This SBC is particularly enticing as it filters out lower-rated items, ensuring every option is at least 88 OVR and stems from some of the most popular campaigns of the season, including TOTY and Future Stars.
86-Rated Squad
Exchange an 86-Rated Squad.
33,000
33,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 86
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
33,000
32,750
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
33,500
32,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
32,750
30,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
41,000
43,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
88-Rated Squad
Exchange an 88-Rated Squad.
46,750
47,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 88
89-Rated Squad
Exchange an 89-Rated Squad.
68,000
65,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 89
Analyzing the 88+ Encore Icon Pool
This specific SBC pool is packed with variety. By including Winter Wildcards, Champion ICON, Time Warp, TOTY, and Future Stars Icons, EA has ensured that the power curve remains relevant for April. Pulling a TOTY Icon like Rio Ferdinand or George Best can instantly transform a defense or attack, providing those unique animations and 'Icon Jam' that regular cards often lack. Even the Time Warp and Future Stars variants offer boosted stats that rival the best current promo cards.
SBC Cost and Pack Rewards Value
Completing all seven segments of this SBC is a significant investment. Currently, the estimated cost on console is approximately 288,000, while PC players can expect to spend around 283,750. However, the sting of the price is mitigated by the pack rewards for each segment. Notably, the final segment rewards a Mega Pack, which has a significant pack value and provides additional fodder to recycle back into the club.
- Top Tier Targets: TOTY Icons (Cruyff, Ferdinand, Hamm) and high-end Future Stars (Ronaldinho, Rooney).
- Consistency: The 88+ rating floor removes many 'thin' Icons like base mid-tier cards that usually haunt these picks.
- Repeatability: You can complete this challenge up to 3 times before it expires on April 5th.
The Legacy of Icons in Football
Icons represent more than just high stats; they embody the history of the sport. Legendary figures like Johan Cruyff changed the tactical landscape of football with 'Total Football,' a philosophy that still influences modern giants like Barcelona and Manchester City. Similarly, the inclusion of Future Stars Icons celebrates the early impact of players like Wayne Rooney, who burst onto the scene as a teenager to become Manchester United's all-time leading scorer. These items allow fans to recreate iconic moments from the Champions League and World Cup within their own Ultimate Team journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the 88+ Encore Icon Player Pick SBC worth it?
- Yes, if you have high-rated duplicate fodder. The inclusion of TOTY Icons makes the 'ceiling' for this SBC incredibly high, even if the 'floor' can still be 88-rated icons from weaker promos.
- When does the SBC expire?
- This SBC is available until April 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC.
- Which promos are included in the pick?
- The pick includes Winter Wildcards, Champion ICON, Time Warp, TOTY, and Future Stars Icon items rated 88 or higher.
