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As the football community eagerly awaits the launch of EA Sports FC 26, excitement within the Ultimate Team scene is already building around the anticipated first promotional event of the new season. Based on past trends, the inaugural promo often sets the tone for the months ahead, introducing the first special cards into circulation. Early speculation suggests a fresh or returning concept called Cornerstones, celebrating players who are pivotal to their clubs' ambitions for the 2025-2026 campaign. For those planning their squads early, securing resources like FC 26 Coins could be key to taking advantage of this launch.



The Cornerstones promo is expected to be the opening highlight of the EA FC 26 Ultimate Team calendar. As the name implies, the theme focuses on players who serve as the backbone of their teams. This can encompass several categories, ensuring a varied and appealing roster:



    Marquee Summer Signings: High-profile transfers from the 2025 summer window, expected to become the new leaders of their clubs.
    Established Club Icons: Veterans who consistently deliver performances and embody the spirit of their team.
    Breakthrough Talents: Young stars who have transitioned from prospects to indispensable assets.

These cards will offer the first meaningful boost beyond base Gold items, giving players an early competitive edge in building squads.



EA Sports has historically launched its first major Ultimate Team promo alongside the game's global release. While the exact EA FC 26 release date is unconfirmed, past schedules suggest it will arrive on the final Friday of September. Following this pattern, predictions point to a global launch on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 6 PM UK time (1 PM EST / 10 AM PST), which would also mark the start of the Cornerstones promo.



Although official leaks are yet to surface, predictions can be made based on the theme and the current football landscape. The Cornerstones squad is likely to feature a blend of superstar signings, long-term club leaders, and emerging talents. Below is a predicted lineup of players who fit the criteria.




   
       
            Player
            Club
            Position
            Reason for Inclusion
       
   
   
       
            Kylian Mbappé
            Real Madrid
            ST
            A landmark signing whose debut special card in Madrid colors would be a major attraction.
       
       
            Declan Rice
            Arsenal
            CDM
            Central to Arsenal's midfield dominance, providing stability and leadership.
       
       
            Lamine Yamal
            FC Barcelona
            RW
            Symbolizes Barcelona's next generation, already crucial to the team's success.
       
       
            Florian Wirtz
            Bayern Munich
            CAM
            (Predicted Transfer) Would become Bayern's creative hub if a move materializes.
       
       
            Jude Bellingham
            Real Madrid
            CM
            Integral in linking midfield and attack after a standout debut season.
       
       
            Viktor Gyökeres
            Chelsea
            ST
            (Predicted Transfer) Could be the focal point of Chelsea's attack following a big-money move.
       
       
            Lautaro Martínez
            Inter
            ST
            Captain and top scorer, embodying Inter's competitive spirit.
       
       
            William Saliba
            Arsenal
            CB
            The defensive anchor whose presence shapes the team's structure.
       
   


Among these, Mbappé's arrival at Real Madrid epitomizes the Cornerstones concept. His signing represents a new era for the club, and his first special card in Ultimate Team will undoubtedly be one of the most sought-after items at launch. Similarly, Lamine Yamal's rapid rise at Barcelona signals a generational shift, making him a perfect candidate for this promo.



Cornerstones cards are expected to receive balanced upgrades, typically +2 to +4 overall ratings compared to their base versions. Key attributes such as pace, shooting, passing, and dribbling will see notable boosts, with potential enhancements to PlayStyles or even an extra PlayStyle+ to reflect their unique role. This ensures they feel impactful from the start of the game.



Content delivery will likely span multiple modes:



    Pack Releases: A main squad of 12-15 players available for a limited time.
    SBC Exclusives: One or two special players obtainable only through Squad Building Challenges.
    Objective Rewards: At least one Cornerstones card earnable by completing in-game objectives, offering free access to promo content.


By combining pack excitement, SBC challenges, and objective-based rewards, EA is set to make Cornerstones an engaging and inclusive way to start the EA FC 26 Ultimate Team journey. For players looking to maximize their early-game advantage, preparing to buy FC 26 Coins ahead of launch could be a decisive move.