The “Knockout Royalty” era is winding down, and if the latest leaks are to be believed, we are about to enter one of the most anticipated periods of the Ultimate Team calendar. Reliable sources on Twitter have confirmed that Fantasy FC will be the next promotion in FC 26, bringing the excitement of real-life football back into your controllers.
Here is everything we know so far about what to expect, who is coming, and how your cards will upgrade.
| Feature | Details |
| Release Date (Team 1) | This Friday at 19:00 |
| Release Date (Team 2) | Next Friday at 19:00 |
| Card Type | Live Cards (Upgrade based on real-life performance) |
| Special Cards | Heroes confirmed to return |
| Leaked Players | Rafael Leão (AC Milan) |
| Replaces | Knockout Royalty |
The Headlines: What the Leaks Say
According to the latest information circulating in the community, EA Sports is sticking to a fan-favorite formula but with a few key roster tweaks. Here is the lowdown on the upcoming campaign.
We can expect a two-week event. Team 1 is set to drop this Friday at 19:00, followed by Team 2 the week after. As always, these cards will not stay static. They are “Live” items that will upgrade based on the player’s and their team’s performance in real life.
While “Knockout Royalty” leaned heavily on Icons, Fantasy FC appears to be pivoting back to Heroes. Expect retired club legends to get “Live” versions that upgrade based on their former club’s form. In a shift from recent promos, leaks suggest Icons will likely sit this one out.
The headliner for the event appears to be AC Milan’s speedster Rafael Leão as of now. If his card is anything like previous years, expect a meta-breaking winger that will command a high price on the transfer market.
How Do Upgrades Work? (The FC 25 Blueprint)
While EA has not officially released the FC 26 upgrade path, leaks indicate it will closely follow the successful system used in FC 25. Based on the mechanics from last year, here is how you can expect your Fantasy FC players to grow. The upgrades are usually tracked over a 4-game domestic league period starting from the promo launch.
The Team Objectives (For All Players)
Players typically receive a +1 OVR Upgrade if their club wins 2 of their next 4 domestic league games. Additionally, if the player’s club scores a high number of goals (usually 11+) over the next 4 games, the card often receives a specific stat boost or a new PlayStyle+.
The Individual Objectives (Position Specific)
For attackers and midfielders, the upgrade path usually requires 1 Goal or Assist in the next 4 games to trigger a specific boost. For defenders and goalkeepers, the requirement is generally keeping 1 Clean Sheet in the next 4 games.
The “Seasonal” Long Game
Last year introduced a massive long-term hold factor. If the system remains the same, cards could receive further upgrades if their club achieves major seasonal milestones, such as winning their domestic league or a main domestic cup.
Hold or Sell?
Fantasy FC is widely considered “always a good promo” because it forces you to watch real football matches you might otherwise ignore. A random card from a mid-table team can become a club legend if they hit a hot streak of form. With Rafael Leão leading the line and the potential for massive upgrades, this is one promo you won’t want to miss. Keep an eye on your fodder because you are going to need it.
