The countdown to EA FC 26 has begun, and fans are buzzing with excitement as rumors and leaks about the game continue to swirl. Following the success of EA FC 25, expectations are high for the next installment, especially in terms of FC 26 Coins new features, gameplay improvements, and—perhaps most importantly—legendary player additions. One of the most exciting developments is the rumor that EA FC 26 will introduce 12 new Icons to its Ultimate Team mode, a prospect that could radically change the dynamics of team-building and the competitive landscape.

For anyone familiar with Ultimate Team, Icons are more than just special cards—they are some of the most sought-after assets in the game. Representing the greatest players to ever step onto a football pitch, Icons are retired footballers who possess high stats and come with the coveted ability to link with almost any player in Ultimate Team, regardless of nationality or league. This makes them crucial for building top-tier squads and enables flexibility when creating dream teams made up of current stars and legendary players.

Icons have typically come in three versions—Base, Mid, and Prime—reflecting different stages of the player’s career. Names like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, and Johan Cruyff have graced Ultimate Team in past iterations, and with each new release, the demand for fresh Icons continues to grow.

While EA has yet to officially confirm the 12 new Icons, fans are already speculating about which legendary players could make the cut. According to various leaks, some of the potential names include:

David Villa – Spain's all-time top scorer and key figure in their golden generation, including their 2008 European Championship and 2010 World Cup triumphs.

Yaya Touré – A powerhouse midfielder who enjoyed a successful career with Manchester City and the Ivory Coast national team, known for his strength and composure.

Arjen Robben – The Dutch winger famed for his blistering pace and iconic left-footed shots, making him a nightmare for defenders.

Francesco Totti – The heart and soul of AS Roma for over two decades, Totti is regarded as one of the finest playmakers of his generation.

Carlos Tévez – A versatile forward with a relentless work ethic, Tévez made an impact at clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, and Juventus, as well as on the international stage with Argentina.

Again, it’s important to note that these names are based on speculation and rumor. However, the inclusion of players like Villa, Robben, and Totti would surely excite Ultimate Team fans who are eager to get their hands on new, high-quality player cards.

Pre-Order Bonuses for EA FC 26
If you’re planning to grab the Ultimate Edition of EA FC 26, there’s more good news. Leaks suggest that players who pre-order the game before August 26, 2025 will receive exclusive bonuses, which may include one of the new Icons. This follows EA's tradition of rewarding early adopters with additional content, such as special player cards, jerseys, and stadium items.

Previous pre-order bonuses for EA FC titles have included:

Early Access (up to 7 days before release)

Exclusive Kits & Stadium Customization Items

Loan Icons or Heroes for Ultimate Team

Ultimate Team Packs that include rare items and players

If these rumored bonuses hold true, pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition of EA FC 26 could be a golden opportunity for Ultimate Team fans looking to get a head start on building their dream squads.

The addition of 12 new Icons would have a significant impact on Ultimate Team by offering even more high-quality players to use in squad-building. Icons allow players to mix and match players from different generations, nationalities, and leagues, creating unique team combinations that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

For example, you could pair a young Jude Bellingham with the legendary Patrick Vieira in midfield, or team up Lionel Messi with David Villa in attack. Icons don’t just bring star power; they open up creative avenues for team-building that can lead to exciting tactical variations and strategies, especially in competitive play.

If these new Icons are indeed introduced, they could breathe new life into Ultimate Team, offering more team-building possibilities and fresh strategies. This would undoubtedly keep the mode engaging for both casual players and hardcore competitive enthusiasts.

In addition to Icons, leaks suggest that EA FC 26 may also introduce new Heroes to the game. Heroes differ from Icons in that they represent players who had standout performances or seasons but didn’t quite reach the legendary status of an Icon. However, Heroes are still fan favorites and have the potential to evoke deep nostalgia among players who grew up watching them.

Whether or not the 12 new Icons and Heroes will make their debut in EA FC 26 remains to be seen, but if the rumors are true, Ultimate Team players have a lot to look forward to. The introduction of new legendary players, combined with the enticing pre-order bonuses, could make EA FC 26 one of the most content-packed releases in the series.

As cheap FIFA 26 Coins always, it’s wise to wait for official announcements before making any pre-order decisions. In the meantime, stay tuned to MMOexp for the latest news, and don’t forget to start stocking up on FC 26 Coins to be ready to buy those Icons as soon as they’re available.

No matter what happens, EA FC 26 is shaping up to be an unforgettable football experience for fans old and new.