The EA FC 26 Team of the Year (TOTY) has been announced, and Ultimate Team players worldwide are gearing up to add the game's most elite cards to their squads. TOTY represents the absolute pinnacle of player ratings each year — the cream of the crop across leagues, nations, and competitions. These cards come with massive stat boosts, improved PlayStyles, and overall game-changing potential, making them the most coveted items in Ultimate Team.

With the announcement now live, the big question becomes: What's the best way to get TOTY cards in EA FC 26? Whether you're a free-to-play (F2P) grinder or a buy FC Coins seasoned spender, this guide breaks down the smartest, most efficient paths to adding these elite players to your club — without wasting coins or losing progress goals.

What Makes TOTY Cards So Special?

Before diving into the best methods to acquire them, it's worth highlighting why TOTY cards are so desirable:

Massive stat boosts – Far beyond regular Team-of-the-Week (TOTW) or Hero cards.

Premium PlayStyles and PlayStyle+ traits – Many TOTY cards come with elite PlayStyles unlocked.

Meta-shaping impact – TOTY cards frequently define the competitive metagame due to their performance.

Collection value – They remain collectible and get involved in future SBCs or objectives.

In essence, acquiring TOTY cards gives your Ultimate Team a significant competitive advantage, especially at higher Rivals and Champions levels.

1. Complete TOTY Objectives and SBCs Early

EA always releases TOTY Objectives and Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) tied directly to the Team of the Year celebration. These objectives are often the best value route to earn TOTY cards without relying entirely on packs.

Typical tasks include:

Scoring goals with players from certain leagues or nations

Playing matches in Rivals or Squad Battles

Completing in-game milestones tied to TOTY plans

Pro tip: Start these objectives as soon as they go live. Many of them expire before the TOTY window ends, and failing to complete them early limits your access to high-value rewards.

2. Targeted Packs During TOTY Promo

When TOTY goes live, EA usually releases special packs that include TOTY players in their pool. Unlike regular packs, these have significantly higher odds of dropping elite cards.

How to maximize pack value:

Only open packs during bonus events (when pack odds and rewards are boosted).

Use double objectives that reward packs at the same time you're completing other goals.

Time pack openings when you have maximum coin balance to reduce chances of wasted pulls.

While pack openings are ultimately RNG-driven, timing them with promo boosts significantly increases your chances of success.

3. Trade Smart on the Transfer Market

The transfer market becomes chaotic during TOTY, with prices surging and dropping rapidly. This creates opportunity windows for savvy traders.

Here's how to profit:

Buy low, sell high: Early in the TOTY promo, prices often spike. Later, when more cards enter circulation, prices drop — giving you a flip chance.

Predict meta shifts: Certain TOTY players rise in value when they're shortlisted for SBCs or objectives.

Invest in untradable fodder: Sometimes cheap untradable cards can be used to complete future SBCs that unlock TOTY rewards.

Remember: market timing beats random speculation. Track prices, compare similar cards, and avoid emotional purchases.

4. Play Rivals and Champions Matches Consistently

One of the most reliable ways to earn packs without spending real money is through Division Rivals and Weekend League/Champions rewards. These modes reward players with packs that can contain TOTY cards — especially during peak promo weeks.

Tips for success:

Play consistently — even a few games per week accumulate packs over time.

Prioritize higher divisions for better pack rewards.

Complete Rivals objectives early in the promo period to secure TOTY-era rewards.

Even if you can't qualify for Champions every week, steady Rivals gameplay keeps the coin and pack flow steady.

5. Special Events & Live Content Rewards

EA often adds time-limited events during TOTY that reward packs and elite players. These may include:

Live FUT Friendly tournaments

Limited-time Squad Battles challenges

Seasonal milestones

These events often have lower difficulty or solo play options, making them accessible to both casual and hardcore players.

Pro tip: Prioritize events that reward packs with better odds — and balance them against your SBC and Rivals goals to avoid burnout.

6. Save and Stack Coin Balance

If you plan to buy TOTY cards from the market, timing and coin balance are key. Here's how to prep:

Stack coins before TOTY promo launches — players often spend heavily, inflating prices early.

Avoid panic buying as market prices can fluctuate drastically.

Bid strategically during off-peak times when fewer players are online.

Having a large coin balance gives you flexibility — you can react to sudden price dips or hot deals when they appear.

7. Utilize Loan Players and Temporary Boosts

During TOTY promo, EA occasionally grants loan versions of TOTY players as rewards for objectives. While temporary, these cards let you test meta builds and earn rewards faster — which in turn speeds up future pack generation.

Use these loan cards strategically:

Slot them into your Rivals/Champions lineup for better match outcomes.

Use them to complete objectives tied to scoring or assists.

Leverage them in SBCs that require specific player types.

Even temporary boosts can have long-term payoffs.

8. Join Squad Share or Trading Communities

Many clubs worldwide organize squad share groups where players pool resources (packs, coins, SBC ends) to complete objectives faster. While not official, these communities can dramatically increase your exposure to TOTY cards.

If you participate:

Agree on fair split rules

Track contributions carefully

Prioritize mutual benefit over individual gain

These groups are especially useful for players with limited packs and coins.

Final Thoughts: The Smartest Path to TOTY Cards

Getting TOTY cards in EA FC 26 is thrilling, but it's also one of  buy Fut Coins the most strategic parts of Ultimate Team. There's no single guaranteed method — but by combining:

SBC and objective completion

Pack openings during promo windows

Transfer market savvy

Consistent Rivals/Champions play

you dramatically increase your chances of securing elite players without draining your resources.

Remember: TOTY isn't just about luck — it's about timing, planning, and strategic play.

So build your squad smart, invest your time wisely, and when that elite card drops… you'll be ready.