Future Stars returns with a bang! Wonderkids like Désiré Doué, Estêvão, and Alyssa Thompson join elite young stars dominating football talk worldwide—plus Heroes & ICONs who smashed expectations from day one. Build your Football Ultimate Team future through Live Events, fresh SBCs, create your custom Future Stars Academy Player, and more!
FC 26 Future Stars Event
Future Stars is EA’s definitive list of breakout stars for 2026. These wonderkids are on the cusp of breaking through into the football mainstream this season. In Future Stars, EA flash forward to what these youngsters could become if they fulfil their potential. Several Future Stars will be released in packs, for a limited time, with supercharged stats to help them compete with today’s Ultimate Team elite. Throughout the event, a few more Future Stars will be available through SBCs and Objectives. The game’s biggest young talent arrive in FC 26 Ultimate Team with ratings reflecting their out of this world potential.
The first teams of FC 26 Future Stars were available from January 30, while the other ones were released one week later.
New Heroes
For the first time ever, Future Stars welcomes Heroes into the celebration of young excellence, shining a light on footballers who lit up the pitch early in their careers and quickly became household figures. Leading the charge, Micah Richards and Cesc Fàbregas join EA SPORTS FC™ 26 as brand-new Future Stars Heroes, with Richards available as an SBC reward from the opening day of Future Stars.
Micah Richards
Making his international debut as the youngest ever defender to receive an England callup, Micah Richards immediately made headlines during his first senior season for Manchester City. Racking up over 200 appearances for the Sky Blues, Richards lifted a Premier League and FA Cup trophy alongside featuring in the 2012 Olympic team. Following a brief stint in Italy, Richards returned to England, pulling on the captain’s armband for Aston Villa.
Cesc Fàbregas
Legendary midfielder turned manager, Cesc Fàbregas rose through the ranks at La Masia before boldly leaving Spanish shores at the age of 17 to join Arsenal and quickly break into the first team and lifting the FA Cup. Returning to his boyhood club, Fàbregas collected scores of trophies before continuing his run of league titles and European silverware at Chelsea as well as lifting three international trophies as part of the Spanish golden generation.
Future Stars Academy
Future Stars Academy makes a triumphant return in EA SPORTS FC 26, letting you mold a current-day prodigy into a pitch-dominating superstar through an exciting Evolution chain. Start by selecting any eligible player born on or after January 30, 2004 (21 or under), or grab one of the 11 Starter Players from the Future Stars Academy Pack for a fast launch. Sign them to the Academy with the Future Stars Academy Contract Evolution (live from Jan 30), granting special rarity, full Chemistry link, and access to all future steps—a second Contract unlocks via the Future Stars Youth Cup Objective from Feb 6.
Progress your Academy star from Debut (86 OVR via DEF/MID/ATK paths) to First XI (88 OVR), then cap it as a Club Legend (90 OVR). Unlock Role++ across key outfield positions, customize with Weak Foot/Skill Moves/PlayStyles via Scouting Report Objectives, and compete in the Future Stars Youth League and Youth Cup for Packs, Evolutions, and rewards. Ultimate Gauntlet (10th edition) and Flash Rush events round out the promo with more Academy and Future Stars action!
FAQ
Q: How many players can I take through the Future Stars Academy in FC 26?
A: For the first time, complete the path twice. The second Future Stars Academy Contract Evolution unlocks via Youth Cup Objectives in Week 2. All Evolutions and Scouting Reports are repeatable once for two full players.
Eligible Players
Q: Which players qualify for Future Stars Academy?
A: Any player 21 or under (born on/after Jan 30, 2004). Start with one of 11 Starter Players from the optional Academy Pack for quick access.
Evolution Order
Q: Must I complete Evolutions in sequence?
A: Yes. Progress from Contract → Debut (86 OVR) → First XI (88 OVR) → Club Legend (90 OVR). Scouting Reports must be applied first.
Silver PlayStyles
Q: Which Silver PlayStyles from Standard Scouting Report?
A: 17 options in Silver PlayStyle Pack: Tiki Taka, Trickster, Gamechanger, Bruiser, Low Driven, Aerial Fortress, Whipped Pass, Slide Tackle, Dead Ball, Relentless, Precision Header, Chip Shot, Acrobatic, Power Shot, Inventive, Long Throw, Block. Apply via Evo consumables.
PlayStyle+ Upgrades
Q: Available PlayStyle+ in Academy?
A: Pack #1: Incisive Pass, Rapid, Quick Step, Intercept, Finesse Shot, Anticipate.
Pack #2: Pinged Pass, Technical, First Touch, Jockey, Press Proven, Long Ball Pass.
Each pack repeatable once for both players.
Scouting Report Requirement
Q: Complete Scouting Reports before finishing Academy?
A: Yes for Club Legend stage—needs all upgrades + Academy rarity. Second player skips redoing Objectives (Evo rewards repeatable).