The launch of a new EA FC title is always a monumental event for football gaming fans, but for many Ultimate Team players, the real excitement begins with the first promotional event of the year. For EA FC 26, insider leaks suggest a brand-new promo called Cornerstones, designed to highlight the pivotal players who define their clubs and are expected to be the foundation of success for the 2025-2026 season. With the game’s release aligning with this event, players will be eager to dive in and start building squads around these stars, especially while hunting for valuable FC 26 Coins to strengthen their teams.

Based on past EA Sports patterns, the Cornerstones promo is expected to launch on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 6 PM BST / 1 PM EST / 10 AM PST. This timing ensures maximum engagement over the first weekend of full release. Team 1 is likely to remain in packs for one week, followed by either a Team 2 or a fresh promo the next Friday.

The theme of Cornerstones revolves around celebrating players who are the backbone of their clubs. These could be:

• New Marquee Signings: High-profile transfers expected to become the face and core of their new teams.
• Established Club Icons: Long-serving players who embody the club’s identity and remain crucial to its success.
• Breakout Leaders: Young talents stepping into leadership roles and becoming indispensable to their side.

These special cards will receive significant stat boosts, making them ideal for strong starter squads. The upgrades will be well-rounded, reflecting their importance across multiple facets of the game.

Community leaks have revealed several likely candidates for Cornerstones Team 1. Below is a predicted list of players with their clubs, nations, positions, and expected ratings:

Several of these players stand out as game-changers:

• Kylian Mbappé: The headline transfer to Real Madrid makes him the ultimate cornerstone. Expect elite pace and finishing, making him the most coveted card early on.
• Jude Bellingham: Already a leader at Madrid, his all-round stats will make him dominant in midfield, excelling in passing, dribbling, shooting, and defending.
• Florian Wirtz: A creative force, potentially stepping into De Bruyne’s role at Manchester City, offering top-tier dribbling and vision.
• William Saliba: Arsenal’s defensive anchor, combining pace with defensive mastery, ideal for competitive squads.

Promos also feature Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) and Objectives to keep content fresh:

• Player SBCs: Expect one or two high-value Cornerstones via SBCs, possibly veterans like Bruno Fernandes or Lautaro Martínez.
• Objective Player: Likely a rising star from a smaller league, such as Xavi Simons or Viktor Gyökeres, obtainable through gameplay tasks.
• Upgrade SBCs: Early-game upgrade packs will return, increasing chances to pull Cornerstones players.

The Cornerstones promo is set to deliver an exciting start to EA FC 26 Ultimate Team by emphasizing players who are crucial to their clubs’ success. With boosted stats and a mix of established icons, marquee signings, and emerging leaders, this event will shape the early meta and give fans a reason to invest time and resources from day one. Being ready on September 26 will be key, especially for those looking to buy fut 26 coins and build squads around these foundational stars.