EA Sports has dropped a fitting tribute to one of football’s greatest midfield maestros. The EA FC26 Sergio Busquets End of an Era SBC celebrates the legendary Spanish defensive midfielder’s retirement with a special card that rivals Icon versions of his former Barcelona teammates Xavi and Iniesta. With 400,000 coins required and Icon chemistry included, is this SBC worth completing? Let’s break down every task, cheapest solutions, and whether Busquets deserves a spot in your Ultimate Team.
Table of Contents
Why EA FC26 Busquets Gets an End of an Era Card
Sergio Busquets isn’t just retiring—he’s closing the book on one of the most decorated careers in football history. The Inter Miami star anchored Barcelona and Spain’s golden era alongside Xavi and Iniesta, winning everything from multiple Champions League titles to the 2010 World Cup.
His partners already have Icon status in Ultimate Team, and this End of an Era card finally gives Busquets stats worthy of standing alongside them. For players who witnessed the tiki-taka era or run La Liga/Spanish squads, this card carries emotional weight beyond just stats.
The SBC Requirements Breakdown
The Busquets SBC requires 5 separate squads with varying difficulty and cost. Here’s the complete breakdown:
| Task | Key Requirement | Min Rating | Est. Cost | Key Players Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1: MLS | Min. 1 MLS player | 86 | ~70K | Fodder + 1 MLS player |
| Task 2: Top Form | Min. 1 TOTW player | 86 | ~85K | Fodder + 1 TOTW |
| Task 3: Spain | Min. 1 La Liga player | 86 | ~70K | Fodder + 1 La Liga player |
| Task 4: 87-Rated Squad | None | 87 | ~85K | High-rated fodder |
| Task 5: 87-Rated Squad | Min. 1 TOTW player | 87 | ~90K | High-rated fodder + TOTW |
| Total Cost | — | — | ~400K | 2 TOTW players required |
Source: EA Sports FC Official Website
Important Note: Prices fluctuate based on market conditions. Complete during rewards drops (Thursday-Friday) when fodder prices dip.
For more EA FC 26 SBC solutions and guides, check our Ultimate Team hub.
Cheapest Solutions for All 5 Tasks
Here are the most cost-effective squads for each segment, using widely available fodder:
Task 1: MLS (86-Rated, Min. 1 MLS Player)
Recommended Squad:
- Marie Katoto (88)
- Irene Paredes (88)
- Ada Hegerberg (87)
- Millie Bright (87)
- Ruben Neves (84)
- Maanum (84)
- Isco (84)
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (84)
- De Paul (84)
- Pedro Goncalves (83)
- Any MLS player (83+) like Gimenez
Cost-Saving Tip: Use untradeable fodder from packs first. If you lack MLS players, Gimenez (83) is typically the cheapest option.
Task 2: Top Form (86-Rated, Min. 1 TOTW Player)
Recommended Squad:
- Marie Katoto (88)
- Irene Paredes (88)
- Ada Hegerberg (87)
- Millie Bright (87)
- Ruben Neves (84)
- Maanum (84)
- Isco (84)
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (84)
- Manuel Locatelli (84)
- Pedro Goncalves (83)
- Esmee Brugts TOTW (83)
TOTW Strategy: Check EA FC 26 TOTW 5 for cheapest options. Women’s TOTW cards (like Brugts) are often significantly cheaper than men’s equivalents.
Task 3: Spain (86-Rated, Min. 1 La Liga Player)
Recommended Squad:
- Marie Katoto (88)
- Irene Paredes (88)
- Ada Hegerberg (87)
- Millie Bright (87)
- Ruben Neves (84)
- Maanum (84)
- Isco (84) ← La Liga player
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (84)
- Manuel Locatelli (84)
- Pedro Goncalves (83)
- Gimenez (83)
La Liga Options: Isco is typically cheapest. Alternatives include Llorente, Nacho, or any 84+ La Liga fodder.
Task 4: 87-Rated Squad (No Special Requirements)
Recommended Squad:
- Endler (88)
- Irene Paredes (88)
- Robert Lewandowski (88)
- Marie Katoto (88)
- Gabriel (88)
- Ella Toone (85)
- Giugliano (85)
- Girelli (85)
- Milinkovic-Savic (84)
- Maanum (84)
- Manuel Locatelli (84)
Rating Balancing: You need at least four 88-rated players and three 85-rated to hit 87 overall with 84-rated fillers.
Task 5: 87-Rated Squad (Min. 1 TOTW Player)
Recommended Squad:
- Same as Task 4, but replace one 84-rated player with:
- Danilho Doekhi TOTW (84) ← Second TOTW requirement
Budget Alert: This is the most expensive segment due to needing both high rating AND a TOTW player. Consider waiting for Thursday rewards when TOTW prices drop.
The Card Stats: Is Busquets Elite?
The End of an Era Busquets card features significantly boosted stats compared to his base version, making him viable in the current meta:
Key Stats & PlayStyles:
- Defending: Elite interceptions and positioning (90+)
- Passing: World-class vision and accuracy (95+)
- Physical: Improved stamina and strength for box-to-box play
- PlayStyles: Deep-Lying Playmaker+, Intercept+, Anticipate+
- Special Bonus: Icon Chemistry (links to any player on green)
FC IQ Integration: Under the new FC IQ tactical system, Busquets’ PlayStyles make him perfect for possession-based tactics. His Deep-Lying Playmaker+ allows him to dictate tempo while Intercept+ makes him a defensive wall.
Discover more meta tactics and player reviews on our FC 26 tactics guide.
Value Analysis: Is 400K Worth It?
Pros: ✅ Icon chemistry eliminates hybrid squad headaches ✅ Unique card celebrating a football legend (limited availability) ✅ Meta PlayStyles perfect for possession/tiki-taka tactics ✅ End-game potential with stats rivaling Prime Icons ✅ Strong links to Spanish/La Liga squads
Cons: ❌ 400K investment at this stage feels steep ❌ Moderate pace (low 70s) makes him vulnerable to counter-attacks ❌ Better Icon alternatives exist (Seedorf, Vieira) with similar prices ❌ TOTW requirements inflate costs significantly ❌ Untradeable means no coins back if you dislike him
The Verdict: Complete if you’re a Busquets fan, run Spanish/La Liga teams, or need Icon-level CDM with exceptional passing. Skip if you prioritize pace or already have elite defensive midfielders.
When to Complete the SBC
Best Time: Thursday-Friday during Division Rivals/Weekend League rewards when fodder floods the market and prices drop 15-20%.
Worst Time: Monday-Wednesday when supply is low and panic buying inflates prices.
Expiration Date: Check in-game timer, but End of an Era SBCs typically last 7-14 days. Don’t wait until the last minute—complete segments gradually as you pack fodder.
Alternative Players at Similar Price
If you’re unsure about Busquets, consider these alternatives:
| Player | Price | Advantages | Chemistry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Seedorf | 450K | Better all-around stats, more pace | Icon links |
| Mid Vieira | 420K | Dominant physical presence | Icon links |
| RTTK De Jong | 380K | Better dribbling, more meta | Perfect link to Busquets |
| Flashback Modric | 350K (SBC) | Similar role, better pace | Limited links |
Each has pros and cons, but Busquets’ unique combination of Icon chemistry + Barcelona nostalgia makes him stand out for specific squad builds.
Fodder Management Tips
Before Starting:
- Check your club for untradeable high-rated players
- Complete Marquee Matchups and other SBCs for fodder packs
- Save duplicate high-rated cards in quick sell recovery
- Don’t buy all players at once—prices fluctuate hourly
During Completion:
- Complete easiest tasks first to feel progress
- Use FUTBIN or FUTWIZ SBC calculators for personalized solutions
- Buy TOTWs during active TOTW window when supply is highest
- Consider mix-and-matching with upgrades from other SBCs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Sergio Busquets End of an Era SBC worth 400,000 coins in EA FC26?
A: The value depends heavily on your team composition and playstyle. If you run a La Liga squad, Spanish national team build, or possession-based tactics under the FC IQ system, Busquets offers exceptional value. His Icon chemistry means he links to everyone on green, eliminating hybrid squad limitations—this alone is worth 100K+ in flexibility. His PlayStyles (Deep-Lying Playmaker+, Intercept+, Anticipate+) make him perfect for controlling tempo and breaking up attacks, rivaling Prime Icon midfielders like Xavi and Iniesta (both 600K+). However, if you prioritize pace and box-to-box mobility, the 400K could be better spent on alternatives like Prime Seedorf (450K but tradeable) or RTTK De Jong (380K with better dribbling). The card is also untradeable, meaning you can’t recoup coins if he doesn’t fit your playstyle. Complete it if you’re a Busquets fan or need that specific CDM profile; skip it if you already have elite defensive midfielders or prefer faster, more dynamic options.
Q: What’s the cheapest way to complete the Busquets SBC, and when should I do it?
A: The absolute cheapest method involves three strategies: timing, fodder management, and TOTW selection. First, complete the SBC on Thursday or Friday during Division Rivals and Weekend League rewards when the market is flooded with fodder, reducing prices by 15-20%. Avoid Monday-Wednesday when supply is scarce. Second, use untradeable fodder first—complete Marquee Matchups, daily SBCs, and open saved packs before buying anything. Check your quick sell recovery for high-rated duplicates. Third, for the two TOTW requirements (Tasks 2 and 5), prioritize Women’s TOTW cards like Esmee Brugts (83, typically 15K) over men’s equivalents that can cost 25K+. For Task 5’s 84-rated TOTW, Danilho Doekhi is usually cheapest. Use FUTBIN’s SBC solutions to compare prices in real-time. If you’re patient, complete one segment per day as you accumulate fodder from rewards rather than buying everything at once. Following this approach can reduce the 400K cost to 250-300K if you have decent club depth.
