The wait is finally over for the biggest promotion of the FC 26 cycle. While the official release is still days away, the full Team of the Year XI has allegedly been leaked. The revealed squad has generated massive hype but has also sparked serious debate regarding the voting categories. Beyond the main team, we have information on upcoming Icon SBCs, Flashback cards, and the content schedule for the Warm-Up series beginning today.
The Men’s Team of the Year Leaks
The leaked XI features some expected heavy hitters alongside a few massive surprises. The defensive line is stacked with meta favorites. Donnarumma takes the spot between the sticks. The backline consists of Nuno Mendes, William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk, and Jules Koundé. While Saliba and VVD were locks for many, Koundé getting the nod over other contenders highlights his popularity in the game this year.
The midfield and attack are where the controversy begins. The leaked lineup includes Declan Rice, which has come as a shock to many community members. While Rice had a consistent year, his inclusion over other creative powerhouses has raised eyebrows.
The forward line features Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Ousmane Dembélé. The inclusion of Haaland pushes Harry Kane out of the starting XI despite his record-breaking year.
The Voting Controversy
Much of the frustration surrounding the exclusions stems from EA’s categorization of players during the voting phase. Attackers like Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal were placed in the midfielder vote. This split the votes significantly and made it incredibly difficult for true midfielders to compete while simultaneously clearing an easier path for strikers like Haaland in the attacking category.
If players like Yamal or Salah had been correctly categorized as attackers, the final XI might look very different. Because of this, we are left with a 12th Man vote that feels more like a redemption round. The three candidates for the 12th Man are Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, and Raphinha. Lamine Yamal is currently the heavy favorite to win this vote due to his massive popularity.
Women’s Team of the Year Leaks
Leaks for the Women’s Team of the Year have also started to surface, specifically regarding the attackers. It appears we will be seeing a front three of Claudia Pina, Ewa Pajor, and Alessia Russo.
Claudia Pina is a massive win for the community as her card is already incredibly effective in FC 26. Adding TOTY stats to her profile will likely make her one of the best cards in the game. Reports suggest that Caroline Graham Hansen has missed out on the main XI and will likely feature as the 12th Woman option.
Major SBC Leaks: Marcelo and Sophia Smith
We have huge news regarding upcoming Squad Building Challenges. A Team of the Year Icon Marcelo is reportedly coming to the game. This is a massive addition. Marcelo is a fan favorite who was a staple of TOTY squads in the past. As a new Icon this year, a TOTY version with boosted defending and physical stats alongside his naturally high dribbling and 5-star skills could make him the best left-back in the game.
Additionally, a Flashback Sophia Smith SBC has been leaked. Her cards are known for being clinical with 5-star weak foot abilities. If EA gives her a significant boost comparable to previous years, this will be a must-complete SBC for many players.
TOTY Warm-Up Content
The Warm-Up promotion kicks off today and brings immediate upgrades to our clubs. The classic heroes given out freely weeks ago are finally receiving their upgrades today. Players like Guti, Kuyt, and Forlán will receive a plus two overall boost along with updated dynamic images.
We are also expecting a refresh of upgrade packs. With the 82×10 expiring, the community is looking for a replacement to help craft fodder. We might see position-specific upgrades, such as 83×5 Attackers, Midfielders, or Defenders, which are perfect for saving until specific positions are released in packs later this week.
Market Watch
The leaks have caused a significant market crash. High-end meta cards that are leaving packs or getting better versions are dropping in price rapidly. Cards like Frenkie de Jong and hysterical drops on high-rated specials are becoming common.
If you are looking to buy meta players who are not in the Team of the Year, such as Éder Militão or Theo Hernández, the next few days could provide a perfect buying window. Panic selling often occurs right before the promo begins, allowing savvy traders to pick up top-tier cards at a discount before they rebound when players realize they cannot afford the TOTY versions.
Get your clubs ready and finish your objectives because the biggest week in FC 26 is officially here.
