EA Sports has celebrated New Zealand defender Ali Riley’s legendary career with an 88-rated End of an Era card in Ultimate Team, marking her retirement after five World Cups and four Olympic Games. This Icon-chemistry defender offers unmatched versatility for hybrid squads, but the SBC demands careful planning with its TOTW-heavy requirements.
Table of Contents
EA FC26 SBC Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 88 OVR |
| Positions | RB/LB (Both Flanks) |
| Total Cost | ~108,000 coins |
| TOTW Required | 4 players across segments |
| Number of Squads | 5 segments |
| Chemistry Bonus | Icon links (full chem) |
| Expiration | 7 days from release |
All Five Segment Requirements & Solutions
The SBC consists of five squads with escalating ratings from 82 to 85, each demanding specific Team of the Week players. Here’s your complete roadmap:
Segment 1: 82-Rated TOTW Squad
- Minimum Team Rating: 82 with 1 TOTW player
- Cheapest Solution: Use lower-rated TOTW cards (~750-1,000 coins) with 82-rated fillers
- Estimated Cost: ~15,000 coins
- Reward: Gold Pack
Segment 2: 83-Rated TOTW Squad
- Minimum Team Rating: 83 with 1 TOTW player
- Solution Tip: Combine 83-rated players with one budget TOTW
- Estimated Cost: ~20,000 coins
- Reward: Premium Gold Pack
Segment 3: 84-Rated Squad
- Minimum Team Rating: 84 (no TOTW required)
- Easiest Segment: Use untradeable fodder like Lukaku, Sorloth, or Nusken
- Estimated Cost: ~18,000 coins
- Reward: Small Electrum Players Pack
Segment 4: 84-Rated TOTW Squad
- Minimum Team Rating: 84 with 1 TOTW player
- Pro Tip: Mix 84-rated base cards with 83-rated TOTW
- Estimated Cost: ~25,000 coins
- Reward: Small Gold Players Pack
Segment 5: 85-Rated TOTW Squad
- Minimum Team Rating: 85 with 1 TOTW player
- Solution: Use high-rated players like Popp, Foord, or Xhaka with budget TOTW
- Estimated Cost: ~30,000 coins
- Reward: Small Prime Electrum Players Pack
Why Ali Riley Deserves Your Coins
Riley’s card features 87 pace, 88 dribbling, and 85 defending with 3-star skills and weak foot. The real value lies in her Icon chemistry, allowing seamless links between disconnected leagues—perfect for NWSL hybrid squads or creative team-building.
This is the third End of an Era SBC this cycle, following popular releases like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, proving EA’s commitment to honoring retiring legends.
For more Ultimate Team strategies and gaming guides, visit TechnoSports. Check the official EA Sports FC website for additional updates.
FAQs
Q: Should I complete Ali Riley if I already have premium full-backs?
A: If you run hybrid squads or need NWSL links, absolutely. Her Icon chemistry solves connection headaches that even elite full-backs can’t fix. At 108k coins, she’s reasonably priced for an 88-rated card with universal linking—compare that to actual Icons costing 200k+.
Q: What’s the smartest way to minimize costs on this SBC?
A: The SBC requires four Team of the Week players total, which significantly raises costs. Start by checking your club for untradeable TOTW cards from Rivals rewards. Complete Segment 3 first (no TOTW needed) using fodder, then tackle TOTW segments during market dips—typically evenings or after new TOTW releases when panic-selling drops prices.
