The Ultimate Team experience in EA FC 26 is set for a major evolution with the introduction of the new Ratings Reload promotion. Replacing the long-standing "Ratings Refresh" or "Winter Upgrades," Ratings Reload will deliver impactful, permanent changes to selected player items, ensuring the in-game database more closely mirrors standout performances in real-world football. This event will not only provide base card upgrades but also introduce special items in packs, alongside fresh SBCs and Objectives that fans can unlock. For players looking to build competitive squads, securing coins early from FC 26 Coins could prove invaluable in capitalizing on these upgrades once they arrive.
The Ratings Reload mechanism distinguishes itself by offering lasting improvements rather than temporary boosts. These enhancements target players who have exceeded expectations during the first half of the 2025–2026 season. Stat changes will apply directly to the base version of their cards and influence future performance-based special items, creating a ripple effect for upcoming releases. Beyond numerical upgrades, some footballers will earn enhancements to Skill Moves or Weak Foot ability if they're shown improvement in technical play, adding extra tactical variety for Ultimate Team managers.
- Permanent Stat Increases: Boosts to overall ratings and key attributes such as Pace, Shooting, Passing, Dribbling, Defending, and Physical to reflect on-pitch performance.
- Impact on Special Cards: TOTW or other inform cards that match or fall below the upgraded base rating will be revised to maintain competitive status.
- Foundation for Future Releases: Any new performance-based special cards released after the upgrade will use the improved rating as a base, making subsequent informs more powerful.
- Skill Move and Weak Foot Adjustments: Select players may receive improvements to technical ratings, enhancing their versatility and appeal in-game.
Community leaks suggest several players are strong candidates for a Ratings Reload upgrade. The table below compares current ratings with predicted new ratings, alongside specific in-game changes anticipated.
| Player | Club | Current OVR | Predicted New OVR | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cole Palmer | Chelsea | 82 | 85 | Shooting, Passing, and Dribbling boosts; possible 4-star Skill Moves. |
| Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | 91 | 92 | Balanced stat increase to maintain elite midfielder status. |
| Serhou Guirassy | Borussia Dortmund | 83 | 86 | Higher Shooting and Physical ratings to reflect scoring form. |
| Florian Wirtz | Bayer Leverkusen | 87 | 89 | Passing and Dribbling boost; potential 5-star Skill Moves. |
| Warren Zaïre-Emery | Paris Saint-Germain | 81 | 84 | Upgrades in Passing, Defending, and Dribbling for balanced midfield play. |
| Artem Dovbyk | Girona FC | 80 | 84 | Boosts to Shooting, Pace, and Physical attributes. |
| Ollie Watkins | Aston Villa | 85 | 87 | Enhanced Pace, Shooting, and Dribbling for complete striker role. |
| Lautaro Martínez | Inter | 88 | 89 | Shooting accuracy and positioning upgrades to solidify striker reputation. |
In addition to these base card increases, EA will release a special Ratings Reload promo team in packs for a limited time. These cards will not mirror the base upgrade list but instead highlight other players performing exceptionally well. Key differences between the two upgrade types are outlined below:
| Feature | Base Upgrade Cards | Special Promo Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Duration in Packs | Not pack-based; permanent database change | Available in packs for a limited event window |
| Boost Type | Performance-aligned stat increases | Meta-defining large boosts beyond seasonal averages |
| Card Design | Standard Ultimate Team look | Unique Ratings Reload artwork |
| PlayStyles+ | Rare, based on skill improvement | Frequently added or enhanced PlayStyles+ |
Support content will accompany the promo in the form of SBCs and Objectives. High-value cards may appear exclusively via SBCs, promoting squad diversity by offering players from less common leagues. Objectives will likely feature an earnable, lower-rated but still relevant promo card, accessible through regular gameplay. The influx of upgraded base items will impact the market significantly, raising the value of cards projected for improvement. To remain competitive during this mid-cycle boost and acquire top-rated talent efficiently, considering resources such as FC 26 Coins buy can offer a strategic advantage in navigating the shifting transfer market.
