Introduction

The wait is finally over, and the official FC 26 TOTY players have been revealed to the world. After a tense period of voting, the final Men’s and Women’s XIs are confirmed, bringing the most powerful cards of the season to Ultimate Team. With captains Kylian Mbappe and Lucy Bronze leading their respective squads, you can now see exactly who made the cut. Use the interactive tool below to check the official ratings, stats, and release dates before you head to the store to open your packs.

What is the FC 26 Team of the Year?

FC 26 Team of the Year is the most prestigious promotional event in Ultimate Team, where EA Sports releases special player cards with significantly boosted stats. These cards are unique because they are chosen based on a global community vote combined with input from EA. The items revealed above are the final XI chosen by you, the fans, to represent the best-performing footballers of 2026.

Winning a spot in the TOTY means that player receives a card that is generally considered the highest-rated version they will get for the entire game cycle. These cards dominate the meta due to their massive stat upgrades and double PlayStyle+ traits, making them highly sought after by every player in the game.

Official Men’s TOTY Squad Analysis

The Men’s FC 26 TOTY players list is headlined by Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, who takes the captain’s armband with a staggering 96 overall rating. However, the most surprising aspect of this year’s squad is the dominance of Paris Saint-Germain. The French champions have secured four spots in the final XI, proving their players were fan favorites throughout the voting period.

Men’s Forwards

The attack is frighteningly fast and clinical. Alongside captain Mbappe on the left wing, you have Manchester City’s Erling Haaland leading the line with 97 shooting, and PSG’s Ousmane Dembele on the right. Both wingers boast 97 Pace, making this one of the fastest front threes in Ultimate Team history.

Men’s Midfielders and Defenders

Creativity and control define this year’s midfield. Arsenal’s Declan Rice anchors the center, flanked by the technical brilliance of Vitinha and Pedri. Defensively, the Premier League holds strong in the center with Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba forming an impenetrable wall. They are supported by the pacey fullback duo of Nuno Mendes and Jules Kounde, while Gianluigi Donnarumma secures the goal.

Official Women’s TOTY Squad Analysis

While PSG dominated the men’s side, FC Barcelona absolutely rules the Women’s Team of the Year. The Catalan club has an incredible six players in the starting XI, a testament to their domestic and European dominance. Leading the squad is Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze, who earns the captaincy with a 95-rated card.

Women’s Key Players

The midfield trio is entirely Barcelona-based, featuring Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, Mariona, and Alexia Putellas. Their cards are meta-defining thanks to high dribbling and passing stats that suit the FC 26 engine perfectly. In attack, Alessia Russo leads the line with 97 shooting, supported by the dangerous duo of Pina and Pajor.

FC 26 TOTY Release Schedule

It is important to remember that not all FC 26 TOTY players are available in packs immediately. EA Sports traditionally releases the team in positions to build hype before releasing the full squad. If you are saving packs, you might want to wait until the full team is available to maximize your chances.

• Attackers: Available from Jan 16 – Jan 18.
• Midfielders: Available from Jan 18 – Jan 20.
• Defenders + GK: Available from Jan 20 – Jan 22.
• Full Squad: Everything is in packs starting Jan 22.
• Honourable Mentions: These cards arrive later on Jan 23 alongside the 12th player.

How to Vote for the 12th Player

Even though the main XI is locked in, you still have a voice. The 12th player vote is your chance to bring one more star into the Team of the Year. This vote is conducted through an in-game “Player Pick” granted to you when you log into Ultimate Team.

Voting opens on January 17 at 6 PM GMT and closes on January 20. When you open the pick, you will see the nominees—usually players who narrowly missed out on the main squad. select the player you want to win, and you will receive a loan version of their nominee card. The winner will be released as a full TOTY item later in the week.

Difference Between TOTY and TOTW Players FC 26

New players often confuse Team of the Year with Team of the Week (TOTW), but the difference in quality is massive. TOTW players are released every Wednesday based on performance in weekend league matches. They receive minor upgrades and are often used as “fodder” for Squad Building Challenges.

In contrast, TOTY players are end-game cards. They receive huge upgrades, often boosting stats by +6 to +10 compared to their base cards. While a TOTW card might be relevant for a few weeks, a TOTY card will remain in your starting lineup until the next game is released.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When do the full FC 26 TOTY teams go into packs?

The full Men’s and Women’s TOTY squads will be available in packs simultaneously starting January 22, 2026. This is generally the best time to open your saved packs.

Can you pack TOTY players in Silver or Bronze packs?

No, TOTY players are Gold items. You can only find them in packs that contain Gold Rare players or specific promotional packs found in the store.

Are TOTY Icons different from regular Icons?

Yes, TOTY Icons are special versions of Icon cards with boosted stats to match the power curve of the Team of the Year promo. They are released in two separate teams, with Team 1 arriving on Jan 16 and Team 2 on Jan 20.