The first exchange SBC of FC 26 has arrived, and it changes how players approach menu grinding. For years, SBC exchanges worked one way: you would trade higher rated cards to receive a bigger return of lower rated players. This new version works in the opposite direction.
Instead of turning your best fodder into quantity, the Exchange SBC allows you to trade lower rated fodder to earn higher rated cards. The first pack available is an 85 to 87 rated player pack, and there is also an 85 to 89 pack in the game code.
According to trusted leaker FUT Police, the Exchange SBC will most likely be limited in attempts and will not require an 84-rated squad, which is very good news for those grinding menus. The goal is to give players a new way to turn smaller pieces of fodder into something that helps with bigger SBCs such as Paul Pogba, Jordi Alba, or the upcoming Icon player pick.
League SBCs return to FC 26
Alongside the new Exchange SBC, League SBCs are also back. EA released two versions:
- Premium Mixed Leagues Upgrade
- Mixed League Upgrade
Both offer tradable and untradable packs, and they are seen as one of the best ways to grind during Ultimate Scream. The Premium Mixed Leagues Upgrade costs around 30,000 coins, but Nate points out that you can get it done for much less by using players already in your club.
Each completion gives you five packs in total, including tradable options such as Jumbo Gold and Prime Electrum Packs. These are great value considering the state of the market right now, where prices for CONMEBOL Libertadores and CONMEBOL Sudamericana cards have risen because of their use in these challenges.
Why Libertadores and Sudamericana cards matter
The SBC requirements include players from both South American competitions. Every Libertadores card currently sells for around 1,400 coins, while Sudamericana cards sit near 1,000 coins. Even bronzes and silvers are moving fast on the market, meaning there is a real opportunity to profit if you check your club for extras.
Nate suggests that players should at least complete one full round of the League SBCs to see what kind of packs and players they can get. The cycle can make you profit over time because of the repetition and the tradable rewards you receive after each completion.
Daily upgrades make the grind easier
To help complete these SBCs faster, EA dropped daily upgrade SBCs that refresh three times a day. These include:
- Daily Bronze Upgrade (submit one bronze for a bronze pack)
- Daily Silver Upgrade (submit one silver for a silver pack)
- Daily Common Gold Upgrade
- Daily Rare Gold Upgrade
These upgrades are quick to complete and are considered a must-do every day. They fill your club with players for future SBCs, silver tournaments, and icons. You can even pack Team of the Week cards from these because some TOTWs have bronze, silver, or common gold bases.
Nate calls these upgrades “insane” value, explaining that by doing them daily, you will have a full club of usable players ready for any new SBCs or objectives that arrive during Ultimate Scream.
Bronze pack method and current market effects
The bronze pack method is working again thanks to the demand created by League SBCs. All the Libertadores and Sudamericana bronzes, silvers, and even golds are selling right now. You can open bronze packs, list valuable items, and use what you keep for League SBC completions.
As a side effect, some parts of the market have shifted. Nate points out that French managers have dropped in price because many people are opening bronze packs, while silver prices have dropped due to the tradable packs from the League SBC rewards.
How to grind the menus in FC 26 right now
If you want to keep your club stocked and ready for every SBC, the current menu grind in FC 26 is simple but very effective. It only takes a few minutes each day and helps build fodder for the new Exchange SBC, League SBCs, and future promos.
Step 1: Daily Bronze Upgrade
Submit 1 bronze player to get 12 bronzes (3 rare).
Repeat 3 times per day.
This keeps your club full of bronzes for League SBCs or for turning into silvers later.
Step 2: Daily Silver Upgrade
Submit 1 silver player to get 12 silvers (3 rare).
Repeat 3 times per day.
Use these to restock your club or prepare for the next upgrade step.
Step 3: Daily Gold Common Upgrade
Submit 5 bronzes and 5 silvers to get 11 golds (1 rare).
Repeat 3 times per day.
Avoid using League SBC league bronzes and silvers here—keep those for League SBC completions.
Step 4: Daily Gold Rare Upgrade
Exchange 5 gold commons for 5 gold rares (max 78 rated).
Repeat once per day.
This is great value, especially since many upgrade SBCs require rares.
Step 5: League SBCs and recycling
Once your club is stocked, put League SBC league bronzes, silvers, and golds into the Mixed or Premium Mixed League SBCs.
Use off-league cards back in the daily upgrades to keep the cycle going.
This routine, often called the Scream Grind, creates a full loop: daily upgrades feed League SBCs, League SBCs return packs and coins, and leftover fodder goes straight into the Exchange SBC for 85+ rated players. It’s the best sustainable grind in FC 26 right now.
Why this grind matters for Ultimate Scream
With Ultimate Scream dropping new SBCs and upgrades across the weekend, the return of League SBCs and the introduction of the Exchange SBC create a full menu grind loop. You can start with bronze packs, complete your daily upgrades, use the cards in League SBCs, and finish with the Exchange SBC for high rated fodder.
It is a sustainable system that allows players to stock their clubs and stay ready for any future SBCs that require high ratings or chemistry. Nate also mentions that even casual players who do not usually grind menus should try it this time, because it is both rewarding and efficient for making coins and crafting packs.
FAQ about the exchange SBC and the menu grind in FC 26
What is the new exchange SBC in FC 26?
It lets you trade lower rated cards for higher rated 85–87 players.
Does the exchange SBC need an 84 rated team?
No, it does not require an 84 rated squad.
How often can I do the exchange SBC?
It is expected to be limited, though exact limits are not confirmed.
How many daily upgrades can I complete?
Each daily upgrade refreshes three times per day.
Why are Libertadores and Sudamericana cards expensive?
They are required in League SBCs, increasing their demand and price.
Are League SBCs worth completing?
Yes, they provide good packs and profit potential over repeated runs.
Can I pack Team of the Week cards from upgrades?
Yes, some TOTWs have bronze, silver, or common gold bases and can appear.
Is the bronze pack method still profitable?
Yes, because of high demand for South American league cards.
