Black Friday chaos is coming to Ultimate Team! The EA FC 26 Thunderstruck promo has been leaked by reliable source FUTSheriff, revealing a spectacular lineup featuring both current-gen superstars and legendary Icons. This marks the first time Icons appear in promo squads this game cycle, making it the most anticipated event yet for Ultimate Team enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
EA FC26 Thunderstruck Promo Overview
| Promo Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Window | Black Friday period (late November 2025) |
| Total Players | 30+ (current gen + Icons) |
| Special Feature | Dynamic upgrades eligible |
| Highest Rated | Diego Maradona (96 OVR) |
| Top Current Player | Alexia Putellas (93 OVR) |
| Promo Type | Returning event (first in FC 24) |
| Source | FUTSheriff leak (historically accurate) |
Important Note: This article is based on leaks from X/FUTSheriff, known for reliable predictions. Official EA confirmation pending.
All Leaked Thunderstruck Current-Gen Players
The modern roster features elite talent across men’s and women’s football:
Elite Tier (90+ OVR):
- Alexia Putellas (93) – Barcelona Femení superstar
- Jude Bellingham (92) – Real Madrid midfield maestro
- Rodri (92) – Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner
- Raphinha (91) – Barcelona’s Brazilian wizard
- Alessa Russo (90) – Arsenal’s clinical striker
- Jan Oblak (90) – Atlético Madrid’s wall
High-Performance Cards (85-89 OVR):
- Sam Kerr (89), Jamal Musiala (89), Ryan Gravenberch (88), Hakan Calhanoglu (88), Melchie Dumornay (87), Theo Hernandez (87), Jurrien Timber (86), Athenea (86), Greggi (86), Olga Carmona (86), Pedro Neto (85), Yilmaz (85), Dusan Vlahovic (85), Ivan Perisic (85)
These ratings represent significant boosts from base versions—Bellingham alone jumps from his 87-rated base to a 92, while Raphinha’s upgrade from 85 to 91 transforms him into a meta winger.
All Leaked Thunderstruck Icon Players
For the first time in EA FC 26, Icons join a promo lineup with these legendary additions:
God-Tier Icons (93+ OVR):
- Diego Maradona (96) – The Hand of God himself
- Birgit Prinz (93) – Women’s football pioneer
- Franz Beckenbauer (93) – Der Kaiser
- Paolo Maldini (93) – Defensive perfection
Elite Icons (90-92 OVR):
- Eusebio (92), Roberto Carlos (91), Camille Abily (91), Rivaldo (91), Franck Ribery (90), David Beckham (90)
High-Tier Icons (89 OVR):
- Gareth Bale (89), Bastian Schweinsteiger (89)
Maradona’s 96 rating would make him one of the highest-rated cards in Ultimate Team history, rivaling only Prime Moments Icons. His inclusion alongside Bale, Ribery, and Beckham creates massive nostalgia appeal.
Dynamic Upgrade System
Unlike standard special cards, Thunderstruck items are eligible for future upgrades based on real-world performances. This dynamic nature means:
- Players can receive +1 to +3 rating boosts throughout the season
- Upgrades trigger based on individual achievements and team success
- Investment potential increases as cards can improve beyond initial stats
- Similar to Road to the Final mechanics but extended across longer timeframes
This upgrade potential makes cards like Bellingham, Musiala, and Raphinha particularly valuable—all three consistently perform at elite levels, increasing upgrade probability.
How to Watch for Thunderstruck Release
Stay ahead of the competition with these tracking methods:
Official EA Sports Channels
Follow @EASPORTSFC on Twitter for official announcements. EA typically reveals promos 24-48 hours before release through social media teasers and trailer drops.
In-Game Loading Screens
Ultimate Team displays upcoming content on loading screens. Check these daily as Black Friday approaches for exact release dates and pack details.
FUT Content Creator Streams
Popular YouTubers and Twitch streamers receive early access to promo details. Channels like Nick28T, Castro, and NepentheZ often preview content before public announcements.
FUTBIN & FUTWIZ Databases
These third-party sites update immediately when EA releases promo content. Bookmark FUTBIN’s promo tracker for real-time player additions and market prices.
TechnoSports Ultimate Team Coverage
Follow our comprehensive EA FC 26 guides featuring market analysis, investment tips, and pack opening strategies during every major promo.
Market Investment Strategies
Pre-Release Preparation:
- Hoard Fodder: 83-86 rated cards spike during promo SBCs. Buy during Team of the Week drops when supply peaks
- Liquid Coins: Keep 500,000+ coins available for sniping underpriced Thunderstruck cards in the first hours
- Monitor Leaks: FUTSheriff’s accuracy means preparing investments based on leaked cards works effectively
Release Day Tactics:
- First Hour Panic Selling: Players pack expensive cards and panic-sell below value. Snipe these deals immediately
- Icon Investments: If Maradona or Beckenbauer enter packs, their prices will stabilize after 48 hours. Buy during initial panic
- Women’s Football Cards: Often undervalued initially despite strong stats. Putellas and Kerr could be meta steals
Long-Term Holds:
- Dynamic cards like Bellingham and Musiala will rise as they receive upgrades
- Icons never decrease much due to SBC demand for high-rated fodder
- Meta cards (Rodri, Gravenberch) maintain value through the entire game cycle
Why Thunderstruck Matters
This promo combines everything Ultimate Team players crave:
Icon Accessibility: First chance this cycle to pack legendary players outside of Icon-specific promotions
Meta-Defining Cards: Rodri, Bellingham, and Musiala fit perfectly into competitive Weekend League squads with elite stats and chemistry links
Women’s Football Representation: Five women’s players including Putellas and Kerr showcase EA’s commitment to equal representation
Upgrade Potential: Dynamic cards create excitement beyond initial pack openings, with weeks of potential improvements ahead
For complete Black Friday strategies and Thunderstruck pack opening tactics, explore our EA FC 26 Ultimate Team hub featuring daily content updates.
Visit the official EA Sports FC website for the latest Ultimate Team news and confirmed promo details as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When exactly will Thunderstruck release?
While EA hasn’t confirmed official dates, Black Friday promos typically launch the Friday before Thanksgiving (November 21-22, 2025) and run through Cyber Monday. Based on previous years’ patterns, expect Thunderstruck to go live at 6 PM UK time (10 AM PST / 1 PM EST) with packs available for 7-10 days. Set notifications for EA’s social media channels 48 hours before Black Friday for exact timing announcements.
Q: Can I pack both current-gen and Icon Thunderstruck players in the same packs?
Yes! Unlike some promos that separate card types, Thunderstruck historically includes all players in the same pack pool. This means opening a standard promo pack could yield either Jude Bellingham OR Diego Maradona. However, Icons typically have much lower pack weight (drop rates) than current-gen players. Expect Icons to appear approximately 10x less frequently than equivalent-rated current players, making Maradona significantly rarer than Putellas despite only a 3-rating difference.
