With EA FC 26, Electronic Arts is reshaping the competitive landscape of Ultimate Team. The Champions Weekend League, widely regarded as the pinnacle of PvP competition, is receiving its most significant overhaul yet. From a streamlined qualification system to a rebalanced rewards structure, these changes are designed to create a fairer, more rewarding environment for dedicated players.

In this guide, we'll break down the new qualification process, detail the reward tiers, and explain how these updates will impact your grind in EA FC 26.

Complete Overhaul of Champions Qualification

One of the biggest frustrations for past Ultimate Team players was the grind-heavy qualification process. In EA FC 25, players had to participate in the Champions Play-offs after earning enough Champions Qualification Points (CQP). This additional stage was a time-consuming step that often acted as a barrier to entry.

In EA FC 26, that hurdle is gone. EA has removed the Play-offs entirely, simplifying the path to the Weekend League. Now, once you've collected 1,000 Champions Qualification Points, you're granted direct access to the weekly competition.

1. Where do points come from?

CQP is primarily earned through Division Rivals, meaning players must engage in the ladder system to climb and gather points.

2. Who can qualify?

A new restriction is now in place: only Division 7 and higher players can earn points. This change introduces a clear skill divide. Casual players in lower divisions can still enjoy Ultimate Team at their own pace, but the competitive ladder is reserved for more serious competitors.

This update reduces the overall grind while reinforcing the competitive integrity of the mode. If you're aiming for Champions, consistent Division Rivals play is now the only path forward.

New Reward Tiers and Structure

Perhaps the most impactful update in EA FC 26 is the revamped rewards system. Instead of fewer, broader tiers, the Weekend League now features 15 distinct ranks. This expanded ladder ensures that every win matters, and more players feel rewarded for their efforts.

·Match Cap: Each Weekend League session allows for up to 15 matches. Your performance across these games determines your rank.

·Time Frame: The competition runs from Thursday at 12 AM PT until Tuesday, giving players nearly five days to complete their matches.

Top-Tier Rewards: Rank 1

Rank 1 rewards have already been revealed, and while they are still highly desirable, they are slightly toned down compared to last year.

·85,000 Coins

·Multiple High-Rated Player Packs

·Guaranteed Campaign Item

These rewards are deliberately less powerful than in EA FC 25, marking a strategic design choice by EA. The developer wants to slow the power curve of Ultimate Team, ensuring that high-rated cards remain exclusive for longer.

By dialing back the strength of early-season rewards, EA aims to extend the relevance and longevity of top-tier players throughout the entire game cycle.

Why the Changes Matter

The shift to a 15-rank system means progression feels more incremental and rewarding. Even if you don't hit Rank 1, climbing a few spots from the previous week can feel meaningful. The smaller match cap of 15 games also reduces burnout, allowing players to balance competition with the rest of Ultimate Team's content.

For newcomers, the restriction to Division 7 and above might feel daunting. However, this move ensures that Champions remains a competitive proving ground rather than a casual entry point. It creates a clearer separation between casual, semi-competitive, and elite playstyles.

How to Prepare for EA FC 26 Champions

To maximize your chances of success in this new system, here are a few tips:

1. Climb Division Rivals Early

Since Champions points are tied to Rivals, start grinding early in the season to secure Division 7 or higher. This guarantees you're eligible to earn CQPs.

2. Manage Your Weekend League Matches

With only 15 matches, every game counts. Focus on playing when you're fully concentrated to avoid unnecessary losses.

3. Build for Consistency, Not Flash

Reliable meta squads will carry you further than experimental lineups. Use FC 26 Coins wisely to prioritize consistent performers over flashy but inconsistent picks.

4. Plan Around the Schedule

Remember, Weekend League now stretches across five days. Spacing your games out reduces fatigue and increases your chances of higher ranks.

Final Thoughts

The EA FC 26 Champions overhaul is a bold step toward making the game's most competitive mode more accessible and rewarding. By removing Play-offs, EA has simplified the entry point, while the new 15-rank rewards system ensures that performance feels meaningful at every level.

While the top rewards are slightly nerfed, this ensures high-tier cards remain rare and valuable, sustaining Ultimate Team's economy and making every upgrade meaningful. Whether you grind Division Rivals, invest strategically in your squad, or even buy EAFC 26 Coins to accelerate progress, Champions offers a fairer and more competitive structure than ever before.

Whether you're aiming for Rank 1 glory or simply looking to earn steady rewards, understanding these changes will be the key to thriving in EA FC 26.