One month before the official release of EA FC 26, only a few ratings have been officially confirmed so far. At MeinMMO, we take a guess at which players could receive the biggest upgrades to their overall rating for Ultimate Team.
What does a rating prediction entail? Predictions involve speculative assumptions about how good a player might become in the new FC 26. Since these are speculations, our predictions do not guarantee that the ratings will appear in the game as stated.
The ratings or overall ratings (OVR) are expressed in numbers from 1-99 in EA FC. The higher the rating, the better stats the player brings to his primary position.
Our predictions are based on observations and analyses from FC 25 and the real performances of the professionals.
The 10 biggest rating upgrades in FC 26 Ultimate Team
How is the rating prediction made? For the prediction, we considered 3 aspects:
- The collected individual awards in Ultimate Team, to see if EA has already given players upgrades in FC 25:
- Team of the Week (TOTW),
- Player of the Month (POTM)
- Team of the Season (TOTS)
- the squad updates in FC 25 for kick-off mode and seasons, which align with the live performances of players over the season
- The real performances of the players based on various analysis tools:
From the overall consideration of these aspects, we make guesses about who might receive the biggest upgrades in FC 26.
Omar Marmoush (Manchester City): from 79 to 84 (+5 OVR)
Here’s how Marmoush’s rating developed in FC 25: At the beginning of the 2024/25 season, Marmoush delivered cards for his individual performances like clockwork:
- Standard card: 79 OVR (Gold Rare)
- 2 TOTWs (82 OVR and 85 OVR)
- 2 POTMs (84 OVR and 87 OVR)
- in the last squad update of FC 25, Marmoush received an 84 rating
These facts speak for a strong upgrade of Marmoush in FC 26: With his transfer to Manchester City in winter, there were no further individual awards added. Nevertheless, his record for the 24/25 season is outstanding overall:
- despite Manchester City’s weak second half, he scored 7 goals, some of them spectacular
- across competitions, he plays a strong season with 42 goal involvements in 48 matches
- the best average rating (8.16) of all players in the Bundesliga up to his transfer
Prediction for FC 26: Marmoush has shown at Frankfurt and in parts at Manchester City that he is a difference maker. As a reward, his 84 rating, which was already given to him through the last squad update in FC 25, should remain as a new standard card in FC 26.
This could make him a highly sought-after striker with strong pace and good finishing quality, especially at the start of Ultimate Team.
Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool FC): from 76 to 82 (+6 OVR)
Here’s how Ekitiké’s rating developed in FC 25: In FC 25, Ekitiké collected 6 different special cards. Among them were also 2 individual awards for his strong performances.
- Standard card: 76 OVR (Gold Rare)
- 1 TOTW (83 OVR)
- 1 TOTS (94 OVR)
- in the last squad update of FC 25, Ekitiké received a 79 rating
These facts speak for a strong upgrade of Ekitiké in FC 26: The Frenchman formed the deadliest attacking duo in the Bundesliga alongside Marmoush in real football. After the departure of his striking partner, he carried the offense of Eintracht Frankfurt alone:
- 34 goal involvements in 48 matches
- top scorer for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga (23 goals) with a large lead over second place (9 goals)
- among the top 5% of all forwards worldwide in many shooting and passing statistics
Ekitiké was one of the most sought-after players in the summer transfer window due to his overall package and potential. Liverpool paid around 95 million euros for the striker.
Prediction for FC 26: For the start, we expect Ekitiké to get a new standard card with an 82 overall rating along with good stats in pace, shooting, physical, and dribbling.
This could make him one of the most versatile strikers at the start of FC 26. His large, lanky player model could also be a special trait for the attack.
Rayan Cherki (Manchester City): from 75 to 81 (+6 OVR)
Here’s how Cherki’s rating developed in FC 25: In FC 25, he collected 4 different special cards, including 2 individual awards.
- Standard card: 75 OVR (Gold Rare)
- 1 TOTW (85 OVR)
- 1 TOTS (89 OVR)
- in the last squad update of FC 25, Cherki received a 79 rating
These facts speak for a strong upgrade of Cherki in FC 26: Cherki experienced a performance explosion during the 2024/25 season, nearly tripling his scoring output compared to the previous season. His two-footedness and exceptional vision helped him:
- 32 goal involvements in 44 games for the 2024/25 season, compared to 12 goal involvements in 39 games in the previous season
- among the top 1% of players in the categories of assists, expected assists, and key passes worldwide in his offensive midfield position
Due to his qualities, many European top clubs wanted to sign Cherki. Manchester City secured the services of the two-footed playmaker.
Prediction for FC 26: Based on the performances shown, the already earned awards in FC 25, and not least because of his transfer to Manchester City in the Premier League, we expect Cherki to receive a new standard card of 81 and thus to rise by 6 levels.
Cherki could be a very good choice in the offensive midfield for the start of Ultimate Team, as he will likely become a dribbling and passing strong playmaker who could feel very agile in the game.
Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain): from 76 to 83 (+7 OVR)
Here’s how Doué’s rating developed in FC 25: The young Frenchman was the player of the second half of the season. Also in FC 25, the offensive player collected numerous cards for his individual performances, especially from December/January:
- Standard card: 76 OVR (Gold Common)
- 3 TOTWs (83 OVR, 87 OVR, 89 OVR)
- 1 POTM (90 OVR)
- 1 TOTS Honorable Mentions (95 OVR)
- in the last squad update of FC 25, Doué received an 81 rating
These facts speak for a strong upgrade of Doué in FC 26: His real statistics do not yet fully indicate how strong Doué already is. However, it must be taken into account that the winger only really took off in the second half. Moreover, despite being only 20 years old, he has already been an absolutely key player in finals twice:
- a total of 29 goal involvements in 54 games
- strong performances in important matches (3 goal involvements in the Champions League final, 2 goal involvements in the French Cup final)
Prediction for FC 26: The numerous special cards already give a hint that Doué could make a rating jump in FC 26. Since he stood out particularly in the finals with strong performances, we consider a +7 upgrade to the overall rating of his new standard card to be realistic.
With his immense speed and strong dribbling, he could be one of the most expensive and sought-after 83-rated players on the wing at the start of FC 26.
William Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain): from 78 to 85 (+7 OVR)
Here’s how Pacho’s rating developed in FC 25: The center-back collected 2 special cards in Ultimate Team, one of which was an individual award for his strong season:
- Standard card: 78 OVR (Gold Rare)
- 1 TOTS (95 OVR)
- in the last squad update of FC 25, Doué received an 83 rating
These facts speak for a strong upgrade of Pacho in FC 26: Pacho formed one of the strongest center-back duos in Europe together with Marquinhos. This was also due to the excellent defensive performances from the Ecuadorian.
Comparisons with Virgil van Dijk, one of the best center-backs in football and in FC 25, show how strong Pacho defended:
- Pacho reclaimed significantly more balls per game in both the league (4.3) and the Champions League (4.7) than van Dijk’s values of 3.1 in the league and 3.2 in the Champions League
- with his low error rate, Pacho is among the top 13% of all center-backs worldwide
- should a ball be lost, he belongs to the top 10% of center-backs in the world in terms of regaining the ball
Prediction for FC 26: In the last squad update, EA already showed which way it could go with Pacho in FC 26. We expect at least a +7 upgrade for his base card.
With his speed and tackling strength, Pacho will be one of the top 3 center-backs in Ultimate Team.
Joan García (Barcelona FC): from 76 to 84 (+8 OVR)
Here’s how García’s rating developed in FC 25: In FC 25, the keeper collected 2 individual awards in Ultimate Team:
- Standard card: 76 OVR (Gold Common)
- 1 TOTW (85 OVR)
- 1 TOTS (95 OVR)
- in the last squad update of FC 25, García received an 80 rating
These facts speak for a strong upgrade of García in FC 26: On the real football pitch, Joan García played his second strong season in a row after being promoted from the second Spanish league with Espanyol Barcelona:
- 7.49 prevented goals in the 2024/25 season is an outstanding figure across Europe; in comparison, world keeper Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) only managed 1.16 prevented goals
At 24 years old, the Spaniard still has plenty of potential to improve in the coming years. FC Barcelona acquired the keeper in summer for around 24 million euros.
Prediction for FC 26: García is currently one of the most exciting keepers in football. With his transfer to FC Barcelona, he even displaced the first-choice goalkeeper and long-time captain Ter-Stegen (89 OVR in FC 25).
We expect that the Spaniard will make a big jump to an 84 for his new standard card in Ultimate Team and would be a really good goalkeeper for any starter team.
Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United): from 69 to 78 (+9 OVR)
Here’s how Woltemade’s rating developed in FC 25: In FC 25, Woltemade played long under the radar and only gained some attention towards the end of Ultimate Team:
- Standard card: 69 OVR (Silver Common)
- 1 Futties (95 OVR)
- in the last squad update, Woltemade received a 76-ratings
These facts speak for a strong upgrade of Woltemade in FC 26: Similar to Ekitiké, Woltemade brings an interesting overall package. Despite his height of 1.98m, he is remarkably ball-secure, can set up his players strongly, and has a good nose for goals. After a strong second half of the Bundesliga season, Woltemade was also one of the standout players of the U21 European Championship.
For Woltemade, the data and statistics on the real football pitch speak more for an upgrade, where he cannot only be measured in goals and assists:
- in the opponent’s penalty area, Woltemade belongs to the top 1% of players with the most touches, which indicates how well he can assert himself under great pressure from opponents – he is crucial in nearly every attack
- a great quality of his are also his shot-creating passes and expected assists, where he ranks among the top 5% of all strikers worldwide
As an indication of his increased performance potential, the enormous interest from Bayern Munich in the German international, who wanted to sign Woltemade, also serves. Now Newcastle United is paying about 90 million for the player.
Prediction for FC 26: Woltemade has made a name for himself among many major clubs. The jump from a silver to a gold card should be guaranteed. We expect Woltemade’s rating to be between 78 and 80.
In the case of Woltemade, we almost assume that he will play even better than his rating suggests due to his unique player model.
Mika Biereth (AS Monaco): from 68 to 78 (+10 OVR)
Here’s how Biereth’s rating developed in FC 25: The Danish striker was one of the few players who could collect 4 individual awards for his performances:
- Standard card: 68 (Silver Common)
- 3 TOTWs (80 OVR, 85 OVR, 87 OVR)
- 1 TOTS Highlights (95 OVR)
- in the last squad update of FC 25, Biereth received a 77 rating
These facts speak for a strong upgrade of Biereth in FC 26: On the real grass, Biereth played at the start of the season for Sturm Graz in the Austrian Bundesliga. In winter, he transferred to AS Monaco. In both leagues, he impressively showcased his qualities as a goalscorer:
- 27 goals and 7 assists in 44 matches
- in terms of accuracy, Biereth ranks among the top 1% of all players and needs only a few shots to score a goal
Prediction for FC 26: Biereth made the seamless transition from Austria to France. In both leagues, he scored many goals. We expect that the Dane will be a little stronger than in his last squad upgrade and receive a 78 rating.
In Biereth, you will find a fast striker with a strong and powerful finish at the start of FC 26, who could also hold his own in aerial duels.
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal FC): from 64 to 75 (+11 OVR)
Here’s how Nwaneri’s rating developed in FC 25: In FC 25, the quick dribbler did not stand out with many special cards. He only made it to one Dreamchaser (93 OVR) and one Future-Star-Evolution card (80 OVR), which could be developed into a 91 rating.
- Standard card: 64 OVR (Bronze Rare)
- in the last squad update, Nwaneri was given a 75 OVR
These facts speak for a strong upgrade of Nwaneri in FC 26: Nwaneri just turned 18 this year but is already entering his fourth season with Arsenal FC. In the 2024/25 season, he made his first longer appearances in the Premier League and the Champions League. During this time, he achieved 8 goal involvements, collecting 3 more in the EFL Cup. On the pitch, Nwaneri shows the outstanding qualities he brings:
- he significantly exceeded his expected goals in both the league and the Champions League, indicating that he can convert seemingly harmless situations into goals
- among the successful dribblers, Nwaneri belongs to the top 1% of all wingers/attacking midfielders worldwide
Prediction for FC 26: Despite strong competition at Arsenal FC, Nwaneri is increasingly getting longer appearances and has been able to attract attention with some goals and assists. As a reward, a jump to a gold card should await him, which would be a huge step for a current bronze player.
In FC 26, Nwaneri could receive a gold card that will primarily impress with speed and dribbling, making it desirable for starter teams from the Premier League.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal FC): from 58 to 77 (+19 OVR)
Here’s how Lewis-Skelly’s rating developed in FC 25:s rating in FC 25: In FC 25, Lewis-Skelly collected 2 individual awards for his performances:
- Standard card: 58 OVR (Bronze Common)
- 1 TOTW (87 OVR)
- 1 TOTS Highlights (94 OVR)
- in the last squad update of FC 25, Lewis-Skelly received a 73 rating
These facts speak for a strong upgrade of Lewis-Skelly in FC 26: At Arsenal FC, the left-back made his breakthrough in the 2024/25 season and has been a mainstay on the left flank of the Gunners since the second half of the season. By switching from central midfield to left back, Lewis-Skelly can better utilize his speed.
He particularly shows himself as a reliable support in passing, which is an important prerequisite for Arsenal’s possession football:
- among completed short passes, Lewis-Skelly is in the top 1% of all full-backs worldwide
- additionally, due to his speed and robustness, he is usually only stopped by a foul and belongs to the players most often stopped unfairly
Prediction for FC 26: In FC 25, he already moved to a 73 rating in the last squad update. We expect another upgrade to 77. This would be a whole 19 points up.
Due to his many strengths, Lewis-Skelly could be a real hidden gem on the left back at the start of FC 26 and one of the players who could be played better than the rating suggests.
So we have come to the end of our prediction. Now it’s your turn: Do you think the ratings are realistic? Did we miss one or more players in your opinion? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Some ratings in FC 26 have now been officially confirmed: EA FC 26: Ratings revealed – Here’s how strong the icons of the Ultimate Edition are
