EA FC 26 Team of the Year Release Schedule Breakdown: How TOTY Rolls Out Understanding the staggered Team of the Year rollout in EA SPORTS FC 26 and how it impacts packs, the market, and competitive play

⚽ Team of the Year Release Structure Explained

The Team of the Year (TOTY) promotion in EA SPORTS FC 26 follows a carefully planned release schedule designed to stretch excitement across multiple days. Instead of launching the entire TOTY squad at once, EA introduces players gradually based on their positions, giving each group a moment to stand out.

This approach keeps the promo engaging over a longer period and encourages players to stay active throughout the event rather than opening all packs on day one.

🎯 Position-Based Player Rollouts

Traditionally, the TOTY release begins with attacking players. After a set period, midfielders are added to packs, followed by defenders and goalkeepers. Each position group remains in packs for a limited time before the next wave is introduced.

Once all position groups have been released individually, EA unlocks the full Team of the Year squad at the same time. This final window gives players one last opportunity to pack any TOTY item before the promotion ends.

💰 Impact on Packs and the Transfer Market

This staggered schedule significantly influences how players approach pack opening and market activity.

Many users choose to save packs for specific position releases, while others open packs daily to chase newly added players. As each group enters packs, the transfer market reacts almost immediately.

Common market trends during TOTY include:

Certain cards rising in value due to strong chemistry links
Temporary price drops as supply increases
Increased demand for meta positions tied to current TOTY releases

Smart timing can make a noticeable difference in both pack luck and coin management.

🧩 Squad Building Challenges and Objectives

The TOTY schedule also allows EA to roll out themed Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) and objectives alongside each position group. These challenges often include:

High-value pack rewards
Upgrade SBCs tied to TOTY content
Loan versions of Team of the Year players

These additions give players more ways to engage with the promo, even if they don’t pack a permanent TOTY card.

🏆 Competitive Timing and Squad Planning

For competitive players, timing is everything. The TOTY rollout can directly affect Weekend League results, squad upgrades, and long-term planning.

Some players wait until the full TOTY squad is available before making major investments, while others upgrade early to gain a short-term competitive edge. Choosing the right moment depends on playstyle, budget, and overall goals.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Team of the Year release schedule in EA FC 26 is designed to reward patience, preparation, and smart decision-making. By rolling out players by position, EA keeps the promo fresh, encourages strategic pack openings, and creates constant market movement throughout the event.

Understanding how TOTY is released can help players make better choices, whether they’re chasing packs, grinding SBCs, or fine-tuning a competitive squad.