The 2025/26 football season is winding down to its final matches, and as always, the end of a campaign brings a wave of nostalgia and farewells. For EA FC 26, this period is marked by the launch of End of an Era (EOAE) Squad Building Challenges, which celebrate the careers of some of the game’s most iconic players. As the Ultimate Team of the Season (TOTS) event reaches its climax, a specific group of these special cards is set to drop, giving fans a final chance to add legends to their squads. The latest information from reliable leakers confirms that six high-profile EOAE SBCs will be arriving during the Ultimate TOTS week, highlighting players from top clubs across Europe.
When to Expect the EOAE SBCs in EA FC 26
The arrival window for these cards is tightly linked to the final phase of the Team of the Season promotion. The Ultimate TOTS event, which begins on May 22 at 6 PM BST, serves as the grand finale of the campaign. This week-long event re-releases all the best cards from previous TOTS weeks into packs, offering players one last opportunity to secure top-tier items. However, for those who prefer a guaranteed path to elite players, EA FC 26 will also release a series of EOAE SBCs. The first of these challenges is expected to drop on Friday, May 22, with the remaining cards being staggered throughout the subsequent days. This gradual release strategy ensures that the content remains fresh and engaging as the community transitions from the Ultimate TOTS promo to the next major event.
The Six Players Leaked for EOAE SBCs
According to well-known leaker Fut Sheriff, six players have been identified as receiving an End of an Era SBC during this specific week. The list features a strong contingent from English football, with notable names from Liverpool and Manchester City leading the selections. The confirmed players are Mohamed Salah, Antoine Griezmann, Andrew Robertson, John Stones, Bernardo Silva, and Leon Goretzka. This lineup balances star power with fan favorites, covering multiple leagues and positions. While the initial leak suggests all six will be available via SBCs, there is still a possibility that one or more of these cards could be offered as Objectives instead. As of now, the exact distribution between SBCs and Objectives remains unconfirmed, but the consensus is that these six players are the core focus of the upcoming content drop.
Mohamed Salah and the Highest-Rated Cards
Among the leaked group, Mohamed Salah stands out as the highest-rated card, expected to receive a 95-rated version that celebrates his illustrious tenure at Liverpool. This card is anticipated to feature three PlayStyles+, making it a formidable attacking option for any squad. Similarly, Bernardo Silva is slated for a 93-rated card, while John Stones is expected to receive a 91-rated item. These ratings reflect the players’ respective contributions and status in the game. For fans of Liverpool and Manchester City, these SBCs are positioned as must-complete projects, offering end-game quality that can compete in the highest tiers of competitive play. The inclusion of three PlayStyles+ on each card further underscores their premium nature, ensuring they remain relevant in the meta.
Goretzka, Griezmann, and Robertson Representing Other Leagues
Beyond the English club focus, the list also includes players from other major leagues. Antoine Griezmann, a versatile forward, and Andrew Robertson, the Scottish left-back, have both had storied careers, earning these tribute cards. Leon Goretzka, the German midfielder for Bayern Munich, rounds out the selection, providing a strong central presence. These cards are particularly noteworthy for players who build squads around specific leagues, as they offer high-quality links for La Liga, Bundesliga, and Premier League hybrids. Each of these EOAE cards is designed to be a significant upgrade over their previous versions, with stats and playstyles tailored to maximize their effectiveness on the virtual pitch.
Strategic Implications for Ultimate Team Players
The timing of these EOAE SBCs during the Ultimate TOTS week is a deliberate content strategy. For players who have been saving resources, this is an ideal moment to invest in a guaranteed top-tier player rather than relying on pack luck. The influx of high-rated fodder from the mass packs being opened during the Ultimate TOTS promo also makes completing these SBCs more feasible. It is advisable for players to assess their squad needs and club requirements before committing to any challenge. Given the ratings and PlayStyles+ distribution, Salah and Silva are likely to be the most expensive, while stones may be the most accessible. As always, monitoring community sentiment and card reviews will help determine which of these End of an Era cards offers the best value for your specific team composition.
The End of an Era and the Future of EA FC 26 Content
The release of these EOAE cards marks a significant milestone in the EA FC 26 content cycle. As the 2025/26 season concludes, these challenges serve as a bridge between the major promotional events and the eventual transition to the next iteration of the game. For collectors and competitive players alike, these SBCs represent a final opportunity to secure a piece of gaming history. The cards not only honor the real-world careers of these athletes but also provide powerful tools for the remaining months of the Ultimate Team season. With the content pipeline heading toward the summer events, these EOAE cards are likely to remain relevant in the top-tier meta for the foreseeable future. For now, all eyes are on May 22, when the first of these challenges goes live, giving the EA FC 26 community a fitting tribute to some of the game’s most memorable players.
