The EA FC26 Nicolas Tagliafico Thunderstruck SBC is now live in Ultimate Team, offering the first-ever Thunderstruck player via Squad Building Challenge. The Argentine left-back receives an 86-rated special card as part of Black Friday festivities, featuring elite defending stats and potential upgrades based on Lyon’s Ligue 1 performance throughout the season.
Table of Contents
Tagliafico Thunderstruck: EA FC26 Card Overview
| Attribute | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 86 | Argentine LB (Lyon) |
| Pace | 85 | Excellent speed for overlaps |
| Shooting | 68 | Decent for a defender |
| Passing | 80 | Quality distribution |
| Dribbling | 84 | Smooth ball control |
| Defending | 86 | Elite defensive presence |
| Physicality | 83 | Strong in duels |
| Current Market Price | ~59,200 coins | PS/Xbox: 54,800 |
| Weak Foot | 3★ | Moderate finishing |
| Skill Moves | 3★ | Basic dribbling tricks |
PlayStyles & Roles
PlayStyles:
- Whipped Pass
- Jockey
- Intercept
- Slide Tackle
- Relentless
Roles:
- Fullback++ (Best position)
- Wide Midfielder++
- Wingback+
- Inverted Wingback+
These PlayStyles make Tagliafico ideal for aggressive full-backs who push forward while maintaining defensive solidity—perfect for high-pressing tactics.
How Thunderstruck Cards Work in EA FC 26
Unlike previous FIFA/FC versions, Thunderstruck items do NOT receive stat boosts or overall rating increases. However, they gain additional PlayStyles and Roles based on their club’s domestic league performance. If Lyon performs well in Ligue 1, Tagliafico could unlock more tactical versatility, making him more valuable over time.
This dynamic upgrade system rewards players who invest early in Thunderstruck cards from competitive teams, creating long-term value beyond static stats.
SBC Requirements & Solutions
The Tagliafico Thunderstruck SBC requires three separate squads with varying chemistry and rating requirements:
Squad 1: Argentina Connection
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Rating | Min. 84 |
| Team Chemistry | Min. 25 |
| Players from Argentina | Min. 1 |
| Rare Players | Min. 11 |
Cheapest Solution (~18,000 coins):
- Use 84-rated fodder like Brandt, Tah, or Dier
- Include one Argentine player (Otamendi, Montiel work well)
- Fill remaining spots with discard-priced 84s from major leagues
Squad 2: Ligue 1 McDonald’s
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Rating | Min. 85 |
| Team Chemistry | Min. 23 |
| Ligue 1 Players | Min. 1 |
| Rare Players | Min. 11 |
Cheapest Solution (~22,000 coins):
- Include one Ligue 1 player (Lucas Chevalier, Gianluigi Donnarumma are affordable options)
- Mix 85-rated fodder with 84s to reach rating requirement
- Prioritize players from same nation/league for chemistry
Squad 3: Top Form
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Rating | Min. 86 |
| Team Chemistry | Min. 22 |
| Rare Players | Min. 11 |
Cheapest Solution (~19,200 coins):
- Use higher-rated fodder (86s and 87s)
- No nation/league requirements—focus purely on cost-efficiency
- Consider using untradeable duplicates from recent packs
Total Cost & Value Analysis
Estimated Total Cost: ~59,200 coins (varies based on fodder availability)
Pack Rewards: Completing the SBC grants three reward packs in addition to the Tagliafico card—recouping approximately 10-15k coins depending on pack luck.
Is It Worth It? ✅ Yes, if: You run Ligue 1 squads, need a quality LB, or have untradeable fodder
❌ Skip if: You don’t use full-backs offensively or already have elite LBs like Davies/Mendy
Tagliafico’s well-rounded stats, strong defending, and potential for additional PlayStyles make him competitive value at this price point, especially during Black Friday when fodder prices drop.
Tips for Completing the SBC Cheaply
- Use Untradeable Fodder First: Clear your club of duplicate cards before buying from market
- Leverage Position Changes: Convert CM→CDM or CAM→CM to boost chemistry efficiently
- Snipe During Peak Hours: Market prices drop 5-10% during evening hours (18:00-22:00 UTC)
- Complete Daily Objectives: Earn free fodder packs from Marquee Matchups and Foundation SBCs
- Wait for Content Drops: Player prices often dip when new SBCs/Objectives release
Using tools like FUTBIN SBC solutions or EasySBC AI can further optimize squad building, reducing costs by 5-10k coins through smarter player selection.
Black Friday Context
The Tagliafico SBC arrives during EA FC 26’s Thunderstruck Black Friday promo (November 29 – December 6), featuring:
- Best-of TOTW player re-releases
- Campaign player re-releases
- Flash SBCs (24-hour availability)
- Increased pack weight for special items
With market prices suppressed due to promotional pack openings, it’s an ideal time to complete this SBC using cheaper fodder.
For more EA FC 26 guides, visit our EA Sports FC Section and explore SBC Solutions. Track live player prices at FUTBIN and stay updated with official news at EA Sports FC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does the Nicolas Tagliafico Thunderstruck SBC cost to complete?
The EA FC26 Nicolas Tagliafico Thunderstruck SBC costs approximately 59,200 coins to complete across three squads with team ratings of 84, 85, and 86. Costs vary based on fodder availability—using untradeable cards from your club can reduce the price by 20-30%. The SBC also rewards three packs, recovering about 10-15k coins.
Q2: Do Thunderstruck cards get stat upgrades in EA FC26?
No, Thunderstruck cards in EA FC 26 do NOT receive stat boosts or overall rating increases like previous promo items. However, they can gain additional PlayStyles and Roles based on their team’s domestic league performance. If Lyon performs well in Ligue 1, Tagliafico could unlock more tactical versatility without changing his base 86 rating.
