EA Sports is turning up the heat ahead of EA Sports FC 26‘s release, dropping a star-studded lineup of 12 new Icons set to redefine the tempo of Ultimate Team. The lineup, affectionately dubbed the “Class of 26,” features some of the most iconic footballers of all time, and yep, Zlatan Ibrahimović is leading the charge.
Whether you’re fond of poetic playmakers like Andrés Iniesta or clinical legends like Francesco Totti, this new Icon class is nothing short of elite. And it’s not just about nostalgia, these players bring serious in-game firepower too.
A Legendary Class: Full List of 12 New Icons in FC 26
According to EA Sports, seven of these Icons have only just stepped off the pitch in recent seasons. These celebrated names represent both the men’s and women’s games and will feature across multiple modes, from Ultimate Team to Career Mode and beyond.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović – ST, Sweden, 92 OVR
- Andrés Iniesta – CM, Spain, 91 OVR
- Alex Morgan – CM, USA, 91 OVR
- Toni Kroos – CM, Germany, 90 OVR
- Oliver Kahn – GK, Germany, 90 OVR
- Caroline Seger – CM, Sweden, 90 OVR
- Francesco Totti – ST, Italy, 89 OVR
- Marcelo – LB, Brazil, 89 OVR
- Giorgio Chiellini – CB, Italy, 89 OVR
- Steffi Jones – CB, Germany, 89 OVR
- Cha Bum-Kun – ST, South Korea, 88 OVR
- Sissi – CAM, Brazil, 88 OVR
Each of these Icons is expected to rank among the highest-rated cards at launch, and you can use them across Ultimate Team formats and offline modes alike.
Icons With an Archetype Twist: Clubs Gets the Spotlight
Icon cards are more than just collectibles this time around. In Clubs mode, EA is taking things a step deeper by using these players to shape new Archetypes. Essentially, these Legends are templates for how you sculpt your Pro’s style. It brings a fresh RPG-like depth to character progression.
Here are a few standout Archetypes tied to the new Icons:
- Zlatan Ibrahimović – Target
- Alex Morgan – Finisher
- Toni Kroos – Maestro
These Archetypes include tailored traits and playstyle customisation options that echo the unique flair of the Icons themselves, giving your Club player iconic swagger without compromising individuality.
Pre-Order Bonuses: Debut Icons and More
Thinking of locking in your copy early? EA Sports is rewarding Ultimate Edition pre-orders with an exclusive deal. If you secure your pre-order by August 26, 2025, you’ll get one of 15 Debut Icons, untradeable at launch. Even better, that Icon will evolve into a Champion Icon in November.
It’s a solid incentive for players looking to gain a head start and elevate their squad from day one.
Voices from the Icons Themselves
The excitement around this announcement isn’t just from fans. Alex Morgan called the honour of being included in the new Icon class “inspiring,” saying, “To be recognised among the game’s Icons is an honor, and I hope to continue inspiring the next generation.”
Meanwhile, leave it to Zlatan to put it his way: “No matter what they say, Zlatan is back… the way it was meant to be.” Classic.
Final Whistle
The addition of these 12 Icons showcases EA’s push to not only honour football history but also make it playable, adaptable, and personal in FC 26. Whether you’re building your dream team or unlocking a new way to play Clubs, there’s a lot to get hyped about here.
There’s a real sense that EA Sports FC 26 is pushing into exciting new territory: both for longtime FIFA veterans and the new FC faithful. Game on.