FC 26 Starter Squad & Position Guide: Best Hidden Gems

The new FC 26 cycle is upon us, and those first two weeks are absolutely critical. With FC 26 Coins being scarce and the transfer market in chaos, every decision you make about your starter squad can define your entire season. LDShop has summarized some tips for your reference to build up your best starter team!

The Core Philosophy for Your Starter Squad

Your initial funds are limited, so the goal is maximum efficiency. Don't chase big names; chase value. The meta hasn't changed: Pace and Defensive Awareness are king at the back, versatility is key in midfield, and a combination of Sprint Speed and Finishing is essential up top. A good rule of thumb is to invest more of your budget in your attack, as scoring goals is the surest way to win early games. Your goalkeeper and some defenders can be lower-rated, purely for chemistry, and upgraded later.

 

Position-by-Position Hidden Gems

Centre-Backs: Pace & Strength

Your defense is your foundation. Look for a blend of speed and physicality to handle through balls and strong strikers.

• Saúl Coco (La Liga, 76 RATED): The ultimate budget beast. With 89 Sprint Speed, 81 Strength, and 88 Jumping, he can chase down anyone and win aerial duels. Apply a Shadow chemistry style and he's a meta CB for under 2k coins.
• Moïse Bombito (Ligue 1, 76 Rate): Another cheat code. 93 Sprint Speed and solid defending for around 1k coins makes him an auto-pick for Ligue 1 squads.
• Maxence Lacroix (Premier League, 79 RATED): A community favorite for a reason. 93 Sprint Speed and 80 Defensive Awareness make him a reliable and affordable rock in Premier League teams.
• Edmond Tapsoba (Bundesliga, 82 RATED): A mid-tier option. With 86 Sprint Speed and elite 87 Defensive Awareness, an Anchor style can make him last for months.

Full-Backs: Pure Pace

Your midfield needs balance. Look for players who can do a bit of everything—defend, pass, and contribute to the attack.

• Denis Zakaria (Ligue 1, 81 RATED): The yearly GOAT for starter squads. 86 Sprint Speed, 81 Defensive Awareness, and great physicality make him a monster CDM who can also play CM.
• Kouadio Koné (Bundesliga, 80 RATED): A classic box-to-box midfielder. Good pace, great stamina, and solid defensive stats make him a perfect partner in a two-man midfield.
• Andrine Hegerberg (D1F, 84 RATED): Criminally underrated. With 88 Dribbling, excellent passing, and serviceable defending, she's a fantastic budget playmaker (just sub her out around the 70th minute).
• Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Serie A, 81 RATED): The definition of versatile. He can play CDM, CM, or CAM effectively thanks to his strength, passing, and well-rounded stats.

Wingers: Pace & Dribbling

Your wingers have one job: burn past the opposition's full-backs. Prioritize pace and agility above all else.

• Pedro Neto (Premier League, 81 RATED): A perfect early-game winner. 90 Sprint Speed, great agility, and a 4-Star/4-Star combo will make him a week-one staple.
• Noni Madueke (Premier League, 79 RATED): A budget-friendly speedster with 91 Sprint Speed and 85 Agility. A Finisher chemistry style makes him much more dangerous in front of goal.
• Geyse (Liga F, 82 RATED): A Brazilian rocket with 91 Sprint Speed and 92 Agility. She's perfect for hybrid squads and feels incredible on the ball.
• Cloe Lacasse (WSL, 82 RATED): A standout from the women's leagues with 90 pace and excellent stamina. Fantastic value outside the top five leagues.

Midfielders: The Versatile Engine

Your midfield needs balance. Look for players who can do a bit of everything—defend, pass, and contribute to the attack.

• Denis Zakaria (Ligue 1, 81 RATED): The yearly GOAT for starter squads. 86 Sprint Speed, 81 Defensive Awareness, and great physicality make him a monster CDM who can also play CM.
• Kouadio Koné (Bundesliga, 80 RATED): A classic box-to-box midfielder. Good pace, great stamina, and solid defensive stats make him a perfect partner in a two-man midfield.
• Andrine Hegerberg (D1F, 84 RATED): Criminally underrated. With 88 Dribbling, excellent passing, and serviceable defending, she's a fantastic budget playmaker (just sub her out around the 70th minute).
• Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Serie A, 81 RATED): The definition of versatile. He can play CDM, CM, or CAM effectively thanks to his strength, passing, and well-rounded stats.

Strikers: Clinical & Quick

This is where the fun is. Find a striker that suits your style, but make sure they have either elite pace or reliable finishing.

• Iñaki Williams (La Liga, 81 RATED): The classic starter squad striker. 94 Sprint Speed, 82 Finishing, and maxed-out stamina make him the ultimate "run in behind" threat.
• Moise Kean (Serie A, 83 RATED): A powerhouse in the box. With 88 Finishing and 87 Sprint Speed, he's a lethal poacher.
• Vivianne Asseyi (WSL, 83 RATED): A physical and speedy beast. With 90 Sprint Speed, 86 Finishing, 93 Stamina, and 90 Strength, she can bully defenders all game long.
• Donyell Malen (Bundesliga, 82 RATED): An agile and explosive option perfect for players who love skill moves and dribbling in tight spaces.

 

Three Top-Tier Starter Squad Templates

Here are three proven squad frameworks, from the most budget-friendly to more balanced hybrids.

1. The Ultra-Budget Special: Saudi Pro League + Super Lig Hybrid

This is the most cost-effective way to build a competitive squad from scratch.

• Core Idea: Use cheap, high-chem Saudi and Turkish league players to build a functional core.
• Key Players: Kanté (midfield general), Coman (gold "Rapid" trait), Malcom (great CAM with evolution potential).
• Upgrade Path: Replace Mané with Osimhen. Upgrade full-backs, starting with Singo to Cancelo and eventually Theo Hernandez.

2. The Balanced Powerhouse: Saudi Pro League + Serie A Hybrid

This build offers a sturdier defense and a more potent attack from Serie A.

• Core Idea: Leverage Serie A's strong, affordable defenders and exciting attackers, using Saudi players for links.
• Key Players: Tomori (you'll get a free upgraded version from the Season Pass), Kvaratskhelia or Lookman (budget star), Toure (all-action midfielder).
• Upgrade Path: Replace Coman with Pulisic. Target Theo Hernandez at LB and Rafael Leão at LW.

3. The Popular Upgrade Path: Saudi Pro League + Premier League Hybrid

The Premier League has endless options, making your upgrade path very smooth.

• Core Idea: Use the Premier League's deep pool of affordable meta-attackers and midfielders.
• Key Players: Mbeumo (rapid RW), Nketiah (clinical ST), Neto (budget LW), Joelinton (physical CM).
• Upgrade Path: Upgrade to Marmoush, then Isak at ST. Midfield upgrades include Gravenberch. In defence, target Incapie and Saliba.

 

Final Tips for Dominating FC 26

Remember, the key to a successful start is identifying value. Build one of these squads, save your coins, and you'll be perfectly set up to dominate the early weeks of FC 26.

Above all are the guides for FC26 starter building team guide. LDShop wish you can build up your best team. And if you are very interested in FC26, you can subscribe our channel, and we also can provide FC 26 Coins for sale with good discounts!