As the excitement builds for the next installment in EA iconic football simulation series, rumors and leaks surrounding EA FC 26 have been flooding social media, leaving fans buzzing with anticipation. Building on the success of EA FC 25, the next iteration promises fresh features, gameplay enhancements, and most notably, a massive addition to the game's ever-popular Ultimate Team mode. Among the most thrilling rumors circulating is the possibility of FC 26 Coins 12 new Icons coming to the game—an update that could dramatically change how fans approach team-building and competition.

In the world of Ultimate Team (UT), Icons have always been the crown jewels of a squad. These special player cards represent footballing legends—players whose careers were filled with extraordinary achievements and unforgettable moments. Though they have long since retired, these footballing greats live on within the game, providing players with a chance to use their skills, stats, and chemistry in crafting powerful teams.

Each Icon typically has three versions: Base, Mid, and Prime. These versions represent different phases of the player’s career, giving players the opportunity to choose from various stages of legendary performance. The sheer prestige of having an Icon on your team is unmatched, as these players are often the cornerstone of top-tier Ultimate Team squads. Thanks to their flexible chemistry, they can seamlessly integrate with players from different nations and leagues.

According to a leak from an alleged insider close to the EA development team, 12 new Icons are expected to be introduced in EA FC 26. Although the names haven’t been officially confirmed yet, speculation has been running wild. Fans have been eagerly guessing who might be joining the ranks of Pele, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, and others. Some names that have popped up in the rumor mill include:

David Villa – Spain’s all-time top scorer and a key player during their golden era.

Yaya Touré – A towering presence in midfield for both Manchester City and the Ivory Coast.

Arjen Robben – Known for his blistering pace and deadly left-foot shot, Robben could add a unique dimension to the game.

Francesco Totti – The legendary Roma playmaker, a symbol of loyalty and creativity on the field.

Carlos Tévez – A relentless striker with an unmatched work ethic who played for Argentina, Manchester United, and other top clubs.

While these names have not been confirmed, they fit the profile of players who’ve made lasting impacts on the football world and are often the subject of fan requests. If these rumors hold true, they would bring new excitement and possibilities to Ultimate Team as players could now build their squads around an even more diverse group of icons.

As with previous EA titles, players who pre-order the Ultimate Edition of EA FC 26 before August 26, 2025 are expected to receive exclusive in-game bonuses. While exact details are still up in the air, previous pre-order perks have included:

Early Access to the Game – Up to seven days ahead of the official release, allowing eager players to start their journey before anyone else.

Exclusive Jerseys and Stadium Items – These items offer customization options for your Ultimate Team, giving it a unique look.

Loan Player Items – This could include limited-time Icons or Heroes that players can use temporarily, allowing them to test out legendary players without committing to permanent acquisitions.

Ultimate Team Early Access Pack – A set of packs to jumpstart your team-building journey with valuable cards and resources.

If the leaks are correct, the Ultimate Edition pre-order could be one of the most generous yet, offering fans the opportunity to get a head start on building their dream teams with new players and additional bonuses.

The addition of 12 new Icons would have a profound impact on the Ultimate Team meta. Each new Icon opens up new possibilities for squad creation, as they bring fresh chemistry combinations and high-level stats to the table. Icons are particularly valuable for their ability to blend with almost any player, making it easier to create powerful teams without sacrificing team chemistry.

For example, a player might choose to pair David Villa with modern-day stars like Lionel Messi, combining two of the world’s best players while taking full advantage of their Icon chemistry. Similarly, you could build a midfield with Yaya Touré and Jude Bellingham, creating a powerhouse duo that brings both experience and youth to the center of the park.

If these rumored new Icons do make their way into EA FC 26, it will add even more strategic depth to Ultimate Team, encouraging players to experiment with different team compositions and tactics. Whether you’re aiming for high-paced attacking football or a solid midfield core, the new Icons could drastically shift the way players approach squad-building in the game.

In addition to the new Icons, EA FC 26 might also introduce a new batch of Heroes. Unlike Icons, Heroes represent players who had standout careers but are not as globally recognized. These fan-favorites may not have had the same career longevity or global impact as Icons, but they hold a special place in the hearts of their supporters.

Including new Heroes in EA FC 26 would further enhance the nostalgia factor for players, giving them the chance to build teams around beloved players from their favorite leagues or memorable moments in football history. Heroes offer a unique twist on Ultimate Team, allowing fans to connect with the game on a more personal level.

Although the leaks surrounding EA FC 26 are exciting, it’s essential for players to remember that leaks can be inaccurate or based on outdated development builds. Until EA confirms the details, these rumors should be taken with a grain of buy EA FC 26 Coins salt. The best approach is to wait for official announcements from EA before making decisions based solely on leaked information.