For years, the first thing players did when logging into Ultimate Team was head straight to the advanced SBCs. Hybrid Leagues, Hybrid Nations, and League and Nation Hybrid challenges were always the go-to way to get coins, tradable packs, and an early advantage. But in FC 26, things might be different. According to leaked screenshots from the beta and direct comments from EA developers, these classic SBCs could be removed or heavily reworked for the first time since their introduction.
The news has shaken parts of the community, especially traders and early grinders who rely on these SBCs to kick-start their clubs. If the leaks are accurate, we’re looking at a very different beginning to FC 26 Ultimate Team.
EA confirms a rework of early SBCs
In an interview earlier this summer, an EA developer was asked about the future of advanced SBCs. They responded by saying that these SBCs are considered “foundation SBCs” but can be “very intimidating” for new players. EA is “likely looking at a significant rework of how they function.”
That statement now lines up exactly with what has leaked in the FC 26 beta. Screenshots show that instead of the usual advanced challenges, the Squad Building Challenges section contains four new categories:
- Intro to SBCs
- Intro to challenge SBCs
- Intro to upgrade SBCs
- Intro to player SBCs
These new SBC paths appear to be simplified versions that act more like tutorials than proper puzzles. For example, one of the leaked SBCs requires you to submit a full squad of 85-rated players with 10 chemistry, while another wants just four 82-rated players from the same nation. That is a huge change from the complex requirements seen in the likes of Around the World or Puzzle Master in previous years.
How this affects trading and coin building
For FUT traders, this shift could be massive. In previous years, advanced SBCs created perfect opportunities for solution trading. Players would use Footbin solutions, copy them, and buy the exact cards listed, causing certain players to spike in value. It was one of the most consistent ways to earn coins during Web App week.
But if advanced SBCs are gone, so is the demand for specific puzzle pieces. With simplified SBCs focusing more on overall ratings than league or nationality link-ups, there’s less need to hunt for position-locked silvers or obscure rare cards.
That said, players may want to keep an eye on 84, 85, and 86 rated fodder. One of the new SBCs reportedly requires a full 85-rated squad. That type of requirement could give value to certain high-rated cards early on, even if they’re not usable in matches. Nations with lots of cheap 82 and 83 rated players might also spike if these new intro challenges become popular.
Could advanced SBCs still unlock later
Some players are holding out hope that the advanced SBCs are not gone, just hidden behind a new structure. The fact that one tab is called “intro to challenge SBCs” suggests it could be a gateway. It’s possible that completing this tab unlocks more complex SBCs later on, potentially including the classic Hybrids.
That idea would also match what EA has done in previous years, where completing basic SBCs unlocked more difficult ones. But so far, no signs of the old format have been spotted in the beta, and no mention of them has come from EA since the initial interview.
Until we see more, it’s smart to assume the old SBCs won’t be available from day one.
World Tour England 66 season theme leaked
Another leak from the FC 26 beta confirms that the first season pass will be themed around England’s 1966 World Cup win. The new season is called “World Tour: England 66” and is expected to include English players and icons as rewards.
Concept cards for this season include:
- Bobby Moore (likely as a loan icon)
- Jack Grealish
- Jesse Lingard
- Marcus Rashford
These are not confirmed, but the card designs and theme are real. In FC 25, players like Adama Traore and Konate were top early season pass rewards, so it’s likley we’ll see usable English cards early in FC 26 as well. The design features a gold version and a silver version, which hints at dual-level cards depending on your season progression.
If the season is focused on England, this could also impact early SBCs or objectives. English silvers and lower-rated golds may gain extra value if they’re needed for themed challenges.
Full FC 26 database dropping this week
The official FC 26 player ratings database is expected to launch this Thursday. EA accidentally revealed the release date through an EMLS tweet, confirming that the ratings will be made public alongside the promo campaign. This means we’ll soon be able to access every player on FUTBIN, complete with chemistry links and price tracking.
Once the database is live, players can begin planning starter squads, identifying potential SBC fodder, and locking in key trading targets. With the early SBCs now focusing on high-rated players rather than league or nation links, your first 84s and 85s could be more useful than ever before.
What to expect on Web App launch day
With the Web App launching in under a week, players should prepare for a very different grind compared to previous years. No advanced SBCs means fewer guaranteed coin packs at the start. Instead, you may need to complete easier, lower-reward challenges just to get going.
If tradable rewards are limited, the early market might move more slowly than usual. That said, prices for key fodder and English players could spike depending on the SBC and objective structures.
To be safe, hold on to any 82 to 86 rated cards you pack. These may end up being far more useful than expected if they fit the new SBC formats.
FAQ about FC 26 starter SBC changes
Are advanced SBCs removed in FC 26
Leaks show they are replaced with simpler intro challenges
Will SBC packs still be good
Most rewards look lower value than previous years
Can you still do solution trading
Not really solution trading looks mostly dead this year
Could the old SBCs come back later
Yes but only if they unlock after finishing new intro challenges
