EA Sports just dropped the most exciting Icon SBC yet—the Max 91 Base Icon Upgrade. If you’ve been grinding Ultimate Team, this is your golden ticket to pack legends like Ronaldinho, Zidane, or Thierry Henry. With an expanded player pool and top-tier options, this repeatable SBC is worth every coin.
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Why This SBC Matters in EA FC26
This upgrade expands the player pool significantly beyond the previous Max 89 version, which already featured elite names like Gareth Bale, Patrick Vieira, and Rio Ferdinand. Now you’re looking at potential pulls that can transform your squad overnight. The best part? You can complete it three times before it refreshes.
Squad Requirements & Solutions
Here’s everything you need to complete the Max 91 Base Icon Upgrade SBC:
| Squad | Rating | Special Requirements | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squad 1 | 85-Rated | 1x TOTW Player | 45,000 coins |
| Squad 2 | 86-Rated | None | 55,000 coins |
| Squad 3 | 86-Rated | None | 55,000 coins |
| Squad 4 | 87-Rated | None | 65,000 coins |
| Total Cost | – | – | ~220,000 coins |
Budget-Friendly Solutions
85-Rated Squad (with TOTW): Start with an 85-rated TOTW player, then fill with 84-rated cards and a few 85s. Mix in some 83s to balance chemistry while keeping costs down.
86-Rated Squads: Stack your squads with 86s and 87s in key positions. Use 84-rated fodder to fill remaining spots—this keeps chemistry high without breaking the bank.
87-Rated Squad: This is where fodder comes in handy. Combine multiple 85s with a couple of 88-rated cards. If you’ve saved packs from rewards, now’s the time to open them.
Pro Tip: Looking to maximize your coin efficiency? Check out EA FC 26 trading tips on Technosports to build your fodder stock smartly.
Best Possible Icon Pulls
The Max 91 pool includes game-changing legends:
- Ronaldinho (91) – Five-star skills, incredible dribbling
- Zinedine Zidane (91) – Complete midfielder with elite passing
- Thierry Henry (91) – Pace and finishing to terrorize defenses
- Roberto Carlos (88) – Best left-back in the game
- Pavel Nedvěd (91) – Versatile attacking force
These Icons offer superior chemistry links and PlayStyles+ that dominate the current meta. Even “lower” pulls at 88-90 ratings provide exceptional value that justifies the investment.
Is It Worth The Cost?
At 220,000 coins, this SBC isn’t cheap—but the value proposition is strong. Most tradeable Icons at 88+ ratings cost significantly more on the transfer market. Plus, the untradeable nature means you’re committing to a long-term squad upgrade rather than a quick flip.
For competitive players building first-owner teams or anyone looking to add Icon chemistry to their squad, this SBC offers tremendous upside. The ability to complete it three times maximizes your chances at pulling an elite card.
Want to stay ahead of the Ultimate Team meta? Visit the official EA FC website for the latest updates, and explore more FIFA and FC guides on Technosports to elevate your game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the Max 91 Base Icon Upgrade SBC available?
A: The SBC is repeatable up to three times and refreshes periodically. EA typically keeps Icon upgrade SBCs live for 5-7 days before rotating new content, so complete it quickly if you’re interested.
Q: Should I use my high-rated fodder now or wait for better SBCs?
A: Icons provide permanent value and chemistry flexibility that few SBCs match. If you have 220k in fodder or coins sitting idle, this is one of the best value propositions in the game cycle so far. However, if you’re saving for a specific player SBC or TOTY, consider your priorities carefully.
