The latest Showdown SBC dropped in EA FC26 Ultimate Team, featuring Italy’s Manuel Locatelli facing Norway’s Alexander Sorloth ahead of their World Cup qualifier clash. Both players start at 85 overall, but here’s the exciting part—the winner’s card gets a +2 overall boost, making this one of the most rewarding Showdown challenges yet.
Table of Contents
EA FC26 Overview: What You Need to Know
| Player | Rating | Nation | Requirements | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Locatelli | 85 | Italy | 1 Italy player, 1 TOTW, 83 rated squad | ~18,000 coins |
| Alexander Sorloth | 85 | Norway | 1 Norway player, 1 TOTW, 84 rated squad | ~20,000 coins |
Unlike recent multi-segment SBCs like the Angel Di Maria Flashback, these Showdown cards require just one squad each—perfect for budget-conscious players.
Why This Showdown Matters
Season 2 of Ultimate Team introduced a game-changing upgrade: winning Showdown players now receive +2 boosts instead of the previous +1 enhancement. This means whoever wins the Italy vs Norway match on November 17 could become an absolute meta beast at 87 overall.
Locatelli’s Strengths:
- 4-star weak foot for versatility
- Natural CDM positioning for Serie A squads
- Juventus links for easy chemistry
Sorloth’s Edge:
- Powerful striker option at 6’1″
- Strong aerial presence
- Perfect for Premier League hybrids
Cheapest Solutions for Both SBCs
Manuel Locatelli (Italy) – Budget Solution
Requirements:
- Min. 1 Italy player
- Min. 1 Team of the Week player
- Team Rating: 83
Recommended Fodder:
- Ilkay Gundogan (83)
- Pedro Goncalves (83)
- Any 83-rated TOTW player
- Fill remaining spots with 82-rated cards
Total Cost: Approximately 18,000 coins
Alexander Sorloth (Norway) – Budget Solution
Requirements:
- Min. 1 Norway player
- Min. 1 Team of the Week player
- Team Rating: 84
Recommended Fodder:
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (84)
- Any cheap Norwegian 75-rated player
- 84-rated TOTW option
- Mix of 83-84 rated players
Total Cost: Approximately 20,000 coins
Strategic Approach: Which One Should You Complete?
Complete Both if Possible: With modest costs totaling under 40,000 coins, completing both ensures you’ll have at least one upgraded card regardless of the match result. Smart players are hedging their bets.
Italy Favored: Italy historically performs stronger in qualifiers, making Locatelli the safer investment for Serie A squads needing defensive stability.
Sorloth for Attack: If you run a striker-heavy formation and need that target man upfront, Sorloth’s potential 87-rated card with enhanced physicality could be devastating.
Expert Tips to Save Coins
- Check Your Club First: Dig through untradeable cards from rewards and recent SBC completions before buying anything.
- TOTW Timing: Team of the Week players often drop in price mid-week. Monitor the market between Wednesday and Thursday.
- Rating Fillers: Don’t overspend on high-rated cards when strategic 82-83 combinations meet requirements cheaper.
- Evolution Potential: Remember these cards can be further enhanced through Evolution systems if you want to maximize investment.
When Do Upgrades Happen?
The Italy vs Norway World Cup qualifier kicks off on November 17, 2025. Expect the winning player’s upgrade within 24-48 hours post-match. EA typically processes Showdown upgrades faster than other special cards.
FAQs
Q: Can I use these Showdown cards in Weekend League immediately?
Yes! Both cards are usable right after completion. You don’t need to wait for the upgrade to start building your squad around them.
Q: What happens if the match ends in a draw?
In case of a draw, EA typically awards both players a +1 upgrade instead of the +2 boost for a clear winner. Check EA Sports FC official updates for confirmation.
