FC 26: Top Players in Different Position to Build Your Starter Team

The launch of EA Sports FC 26 is here, and the first challenge for every player is to build a powerful starter squad. In the early days of the game, coins are limited, and player prices fluctuate wildly. Finding the "meta" players that balance cost and performance is crucial.

This guide will break down the top 5 players for each position, from a solid defense to a sharp attack, helping you build a competitive team for Division Rivals and FUT Champs with the fewest coins.

First, you can check out our EA FC 26 Player Ratings tier list!

This will help you even more!

Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers: The Last Line of Defense. This may be one of the least-regarded positions on the field, but a good goalkeeper can create time to regain the advantage or create a larger gap by intercepting shots, ultimately leading to a dominant victory.

In the early stages of the game, goalkeeper performances can be unpredictable. Height, key PlayStyles, and chemistry links are often more important than overall rating.

• Lucas Chevrier - Ligue 1 chemistry, key PlayStyles, and elite value for coins.
• Marco Keshi - Rare "Plus+" PlayStyle for a starter goalkeeper, a true gem.
• David - Tall with a unique body type and great animations, a sneaky powerhouse.
• Unai Simón - Perfect for Spanish links and counter-attacking tactics.
• Marc-André ter Stegen - High rating but affordable due to lack of "Plus+" PlayStyles.

 

Defenders

Defenders: Building a Solid Wall

Right-Backs: The Engine of the Flank

This position requires players to be quick while also being able to track back and link play, contributing to the offense through movement and creating chances. While this position is generally defensive, players still need to score goals when necessary. Modern football demands full-backs who can both attack and defend.

• Thierry Correia - A budget beast with perfect PlayStyles for Evolutions.
• Alexander Bah - A reliable starter year after year, well-rounded with seven PlayStyles.
• Ole- Balanced stats and Premier League chemistry, but beware of the "PL tax."
• João Cancelo - Technical, versatile, and ideal for attacking play.
• Marcos Denter - High tactical value with the "Inverted Wing-Back Plus+" PlayStyle.

Left-Backs: Pace or Power?

This position emphasizes a player's stamina, reflexes, and mobility. They need to mark the opponent's right winger or midfielder, defend the left flank by blocking crosses, and maintain defensive positioning.

• David Raum - The go-to for Bundesliga chemistry, slightly overpriced early on.
• Sakina Karchaoui - Unique model with blistering pace and agility.
• Nuno Tavares - Serie A budget king with great physicality and PlayStyles.
• Joško Gvardiol - Can play CB or LB, defensively solid but lacks top speed.
• Antonee Robinson - Premier League speedster with ideal PlayStyles for overlapping runs.

Center-Backs: The Pillars of Defense

As the team's most solid defender, a center-back (CB) defends in the area directly in front of the goal, helping the team score by preventing shots, making tackles, or intercepting passes. To achieve this, a center-back needs to be tall and capable of winning aerial duels. A reliable defensive line is the foundation of success.

• David Hancko - Great chemistry, versatile, and solid PlayStyles.
• Emre Can - "Bruiser Plus" PlayStyle, exceptional value, and versatility.
• Ronald Araújo - A defensive monster with elite one-on-one capabilities.
• Murillo - Left-footed, perfect partner for Araújo, and great passing.
• Evan Ndicka - Tall, lengthy, and dominant in defense.

The Araújo-Murillo partnership could be the best starter combo this year.

 

Midfield

Midfield: The Engine Room

Defensive Midfielders: The Shield

Your CDM sets the tone for defense and transition.

• Anton Stack - A pure enforcer with great height and defensive PlayStyles.
• Mario Lemina - Balanced, relentless, and fits budget league chemistry.
• Mattéo Guendouzi - A true box-to-box midfielder with "Plus" PlayStyle.
• Denis Zakaria - Tall, physical, and perfect as a defensive anchor.
• Felix Nmecha - Cheap, tall, and a common sight in starter squads.

Zakaria for defense, Guendouzi for balance.

Central Midfielders: The All-Rounders

• Manu Koné - Technical and ideal for Evolutions.
• Conor Gallagher - High work rates, perfect for English hybrids.
• Ruben Loftus-Cheek - Unique model and PlayStyles, an Evolution candidate.
• Giuliano & Greggi - Super-link duo, cheap, and incredibly effective.
• Matteo Pessina - A balanced Serie A option for Italian squads.

The Roma women's duo offers unmatched value and chemistry.

Attacking Midfielders: The Creative Spark

• Geraldine Rutella - A pacey playmaker with sharp shooting.
• Pedro Gonçalves - A budget-friendly "mini-Bruno" with finesse and technique.
• Sanche - A defensive-minded CAM with shadow striker potential.
• Karim Benzema - Still silky smooth with elite PlayStyles despite lower rating.
• Christian Pulisic - Great for hybrids, with 5-star skills and pace.

Gonçalves for budget squads, Pulisic for hybrids.

 

Forwards

The completed structure would thus be:

• Forwards: The Game-Changers
• Wingers: Tearing Up the Flanks
• Strikers: The Clinical Finishers

Right Wing:

• Noni Madueke - Explosive dribbler.
• Naoyama - Technical and agile.
• Anthony Elanga - 5-star weak foot and rapid.
• Iñaki Williams - Tall, lengthy, and blisteringly fast.
• Alba Redondo - Cutting inside and finesse shots.

Left Wing:

• Caitlin Foord - Cheap and reliable for Premier League squads.
• Leandro Trossard - 5-star weak foot and great dribbling.
• Karim Adeyemi - Pure speed, always dangerous early on.
• Tabitha Chawinga - A hidden gem with 94 pace.
• Heung-Min Son - Meta-defining with his finesse shot PlayStyle.

Strikers: The Finishers

• Tisca - Budget hero with "Game Changer Plus" and great chemistry.
• Victor Boniface - Lengthy, strong, and powerful shot.
• Cristiano Giuntoli - Affordable tall striker for Serie A squads.
• Sam Kerr - High rating, affordable, and elite finishing.
• Heung-Min Son - Can play striker, with a deadly finesse shot.

Final Thoughts

Building your starter squad in FC 26 is all about value for coins, strong chemistry, and meta PlayStyles. From Chevrier in goal to Tisca and Son up top, the players on this list will give you a competitive edge.

Keep an eye on the transfer market, as some players may be overpriced initially. If you use Evolutions wisely, build chemistry smartly, and leverage PlayStyles, you’ll have a squad ready to compete in no time.

Good luck on the pitch in FC 26!