The Ultimate Scream promo is just hours away in EA Sports FC 26, and leaks across the community suggest this year’s event could bring back one of the most loved features in series history: random 99-rated stat boosts. A mysterious new loading screen added to the game has sent the FC community into speculation overload after showing question marks across all six main player attributes, a clear nod to the unpredictable upgrades that defined the early FIFA Ultimate Scream cards.

According to several known sources, including FUT Police and FIFA Trading Romania, this year’s version of Ultimate Scream is shaping up to be far more dynamic than expected. The leaks suggest cards may receive random stat increases tied to in-game events or specific days, such as the full moon cycle, a callback to the FIFA 17 to FIFA 20 era.

EA insider AirJapes calls out leakers ahead of Ultimate Scream release

The buildup to this promo has not been without drama. Earlier this week, EA employee AirJapes publicly challenged community leakers, tweeting, “The leakers got it wrong”, with a pair of cryptic emojis. This direct callout quickly escalated across social media, especially after the official loading screen update appeared to prove some leaks wrong and others right. AirJapes is working as a Product Leader at EAFC.

For weeks, leakers had claimed that no 99 stat boosts would appear in Ultimate Scream. Yet, the new imagery clearly includes “99???” placeholders, indicating that some players could receive mysterious stat upgrades beyond the confirmed Roll+ and Roll++ systems.

This has sparked speculation that Ultimate Scream cards might change dynamically during the promo, potentially giving players a temporary 99 rating in one or more stats at certain times, for example during Halloween weekend or full moon nights.

Leaked Ultimate Scream content includes new packs and player SBCs

Beyond the cards themselves, the Ultimate Scream leaks also revealed a list of Scream-themed packs and SBCs discovered in FC 26’s backend data. Among the new codes are:

  • Ultimate Scream Team Guaranteed Pack confirming at least two team releases.
  • Campaign Mix Player Pick expected to act as the year’s first “party bag”.
  • Scream Booster Pack likely a store-exclusive item containing themed promo players.

Trusted leaker FUT Police claims that an unlimited repeatable pack grind could also accompany the event, allowing players to continuously craft packs through bronze, silver, and gold upgrade SBCs. Though not directly linked to the Scream cards, this grind could help fans generate fodder for new player SBCs expected throughout the two-week event.

Ultimate Scream Team 1 lineup and early leaks

While EA has not officially confirmed the Team 1 lineup, leaks circulating on social media hint at a mix of high-profile attackers and creative midfielders. Players such as Vinícius Jr, Rafael Leão, and Jack Grealish are rumored to headline the release, with unique boosts that make them temporarily overpowered depending on their random stat enhancements.

This fits perfectly with the “question mark” motif from the loading screen, suggesting that each card could receive unpredictable boosts throughout the event. Some insiders believe that the system may tie to “Full Moon Boosts”, granting players random 99 stats for limited time periods before reverting to standard upgrades.

EA’s mystery system: what the “99???” actually means

The Ultimate Scream teaser image has been one of the most talked-about leaks of the FC 26 cycle so far. Every attribute including pace, shooting, passing, dribbling, defending, and physical showed a “99???” overlay. This has left fans guessing whether the feature will:

  • Randomly assign one stat to 99 each week
  • Allow community voting for temporary boosts
  • Trigger automatic changes during in-game calendar events like Halloween or the full moon

Whatever the truth is, this mechanic is poised to make Ultimate Scream the most unpredictable promo of the year, reviving the nostalgic chaos of early Ultimate Team seasons.

You can hear TheFutAccountant’s take on the upcoming promo in this video

Leakers claim two Ultimate Scream teams and hero content coming

Further code leaks confirm that Ultimate Scream will run for two weeks, featuring Team 1 and Team 2 releases. In addition to themed players, EA plans to introduce a new Hero Pack with an 88-rated maximum, expanding on the hero content seen earlier this month.

That means cards like Eden Hazard and Paulo Futre could become available through limited-time SBCs during the event. Combined with the rumored Scream SBCs for classic names like Jordi Alba and others, the next two weeks in FC 26 are shaping up to be loaded with grindable content.

What Ultimate Scream means for players

If the 99 stat leaks are accurate, Ultimate Scream will not only bring nostalgic vibes but could change gameplay balance temporarily. A card like Vinícius Jr. with 99 physical or a midfielder with 99 pace could dramatically shift online matches during the event. The unpredictability of who gets what boost and when is exactly the kind of fun twist Ultimate Team fans have been craving.

FAQ about Ultimate Scream leaks in FC 26

What are the Ultimate Scream leaks about?

They reveal possible random 99 stat boosts on select promo cards.

Will Ultimate Scream have two teams?

Yes, leaks confirm a two-week event with Team 1 and Team 2.

Are 99-rated stats confirmed?

Not officially, but the new loading screen strongly hints at them.

Is the unlimited pack grind part of Ultimate Scream?

It’s expected to release alongside the promo to support SBC crafting.

When will Ultimate Scream start?

It launches tomorrow, with Team 1 available immediately in packs.