88+ Encore Icon Upgrade SBC Guide: Complete Requirements and Analysis for FC 26
By Alfie Carrington••3 min read
The 88+ Encore Icon Upgrade has officially landed in FC 26, offering players a high-stakes opportunity to add some of the most legendary names in football history to their Ultimate Team squads. This specific upgrade is particularly enticing as it narrows the pool to some of the most powerful campaign versions released this year. Instead of base icons, you are hunting for elite versions including Team of the Year (TOTY), FUT Birthday, and the elusive Future Stars Icons. If you are looking to elevate your team to a professional level, this is the gamble that could define your season.
85-Rated Squad
Exchange an 85-Rated Squad.
23,500
22,250
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
- •Team Rating: Min. 85
86-Rated Squad
Exchange an 86-Rated Squad.
17,250
19,250
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 86
86-Rated Squad
Exchange an 86-Rated Squad.
27,750
27,500
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
- •Team Rating: Min. 86
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
25,250
25,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
35,500
34,500
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
88-Rated Squad
Exchange an 88-Rated Squad.
51,000
49,000
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
- •Team Rating: Min. 88
Evaluating the Rewards and Overall Value
Completing this SBC requires a significant investment across six different challenges, but the potential payoff is an 88+ Encore Icon Player Pack. Currently, the estimated market cost to complete all segments is approximately 180,250 on consoles and 177,500 for PC users. While the upfront cost is steep, you do earn several tradeable and untradeable packs along the way, such as the Rare Electrum Players Pack and the Small Prime Electrum Players Pack, which provide a total reward value of 0. The real draw, however, is the chance to pull icons like TOTY Rio Ferdinand or FUT Birthday Ruud Gullit, players who maintain millions in coin value due to their game-breaking stats and unique playstyles.
- High ceiling for rewards: Includes top-tier TOTY and FUT Birthday versions.
- Guaranteed 88+ Rating: Removes the lower-tier icons from the potential pool.
- Repeatable: You can attempt this SBC up to 3 times to try your luck again.
- Segment rewards: Provides six additional packs to help replenish your club's fodder.
The Legacy of Icons in Ultimate Team
Icons are more than just cards; they represent the pinnacle of footballing history. For example, pulling a Pelé item connects you to the only player to ever win three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970). His impact on the game is immeasurable, and in FC 26, his TOTY version is often considered the best attacking card available. Similarly, the inclusion of FUT Birthday Icons often brings skill move or weak foot upgrades to legends like Johan Cruyff, the architect of Total Football. These players possess unique 'Icon chemistry' that helps link your hybrid squads, making them essential for competitive gameplay. Whether it is the defensive dominance of a Winter Wildcards Icon or the youthful exuberance of a Future Stars version, these players bring a level of prestige and performance that standard items simply cannot match.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Icon versions are included in the 88+ Encore Icon Upgrade?
- The pack contains Icon items from the Winter Wildcards, Champion ICON, Time Warp, TOTY, Future Stars, or FUT Birthday campaigns with a minimum rating of 88.
- How many times can I complete this SBC?
- This Squad Building Challenge is repeatable up to 3 times before it expires.
- When does the 88+ Encore Icon Upgrade SBC expire?
- The SBC is available until April 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM UTC.
- Is it worth using all my high-rated fodder on this?
- It is a high-risk gamble. If you already have a top-tier team, the chance at a TOTY or FUT Birthday Icon is worth it, but players with limited resources might want to save fodder for guaranteed player SBCs.
