FC 26 1 of 3 88+ Encore Icon Player Pick SBC: How to Get TOTY and FUT Birthday Legends
By Alfie Carrington••3 min read
The legendary status of Icon cards in FC 26 Ultimate Team has reached a new peak with the release of the 1 of 3 88+ Encore Icon Player Pick. This high-stakes Squad Building Challenge offers players a chance to secure some of the most dominant cards from past promos, including Team of the Year (TOTY), FUT Birthday, and the nostalgia-heavy Time Warp series. If you have been hoarding high-rated fodder, now is the time to decide if you want to gamble for a game-changing legend.
86-Rated Squad
Exchange an 86-Rated Squad.
25,250
26,250
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
- •Team Rating: Min. 86
87-Rated Squad
Exchange an 87-Rated Squad.
21,000
24,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
88-Rated Squad
Exchange an 88-Rated Squad.
32,000
35,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 88
88-Rated Squad
Exchange an 88-Rated Squad.
31,750
34,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 88
88-Rated Squad
Exchange an 88-Rated Squad.
32,000
34,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 88
89-Rated Squad
Exchange an 89-Rated Squad.
51,500
54,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 89
Analyzing the Elite Player Pool
- TOTY Icons: Featuring the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (95 OVR) and Maldini (94 OVR), these are the gold standard for performance.
- FUT Birthday Icons: Look out for Gabriel Batistuta (92 OVR) or Toni Kroos, often featuring 5-star skill move or weak foot upgrades.
- Winter Wildcards: High-tier versions of legends like Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane remain top-tier meta options.
- Time Warp Icons: Nostalgic boosts for icons like Garrincha and Andrea Pirlo that fit the modern gameplay speed.
The Historical Impact of Icon Legends
Icons in FC 26 represent the pinnacle of footballing history. Players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who headlines the TOTY Icon roster this year, reflect a career of sheer dominance across Europe's top leagues. Ibrahimovic's inclusion as a top-tier reward celebrates his unique blend of technical flair and physical prowess, which translated into numerous titles with Inter Milan, AC Milan, and PSG. Similarly, the inclusion of defenders like Maldini reminds us of the 'Total Defense' era of Italian football, where tactical discipline was an art form. Pulling one of these legends from the 1 of 3 88+ Encore Icon Player Pick isn't just about stats; it is about bringing that historical greatness to your current squad.
Cost Analysis and Reward Value
Completing all six segments of this SBC is a significant investment. On the market, the estimated cost is approximately 193,500 on consoles and 209,250 for PC users. While the player pick is the main attraction, you do receive several high-value packs as consolation, including a Mega Pack and multiple Jumbo Premium Gold Packs. With a total 0 in pack weight back, the net cost of the pick becomes slightly more manageable for those with a deep club bench.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the 88+ Encore Icon Player Pick repeatable?
- Yes, you can complete this specific SBC up to 3 times before it expires on April 26, 2026.
- Which Icon versions are included in the pool?
- The pool includes Winter Wildcards, Champion ICON, Time Warp, TOTY, Future Stars, and FUT Birthday Icons, provided they are rated 88 or higher.
- What is the cheapest way to complete this SBC?
- Using our SBC solver is the best way to find the lowest-cost solutions using players already in your club or the cheapest available on the market.
