The 87+ Base or Thunderstruck Icon Upgrade SBC in EA SPORTS FC 26 Ultimate Team is one of the most high-risk, high-reward challenges currently available. Completing it guarantees one Icon rated 87 or higher, drawn from a combined pool of Base Icons and Thunderstruck Icons.
This SBC is designed for players who want a legendary centerpiece for their squad but are willing to accept the uncertainty that comes with Icon upgrades. Before committing valuable fodder, it’s important to understand how the reward pool works, what types of Icons you can pack, and which pulls truly change your squad.
FC 26 87+ Base or Thunderstruck Icon Upgrade SBC
When you complete the SBC, you receive one untradeable Icon Player Item. The game selects that player from a fixed pool that includes:
NBA 2K26 – PlayStation 5
- Base Icons rated 87 or higher
- Thunderstruck Icons from the current promo
A key improvement in FC 26 is the removal of all 86-rated Icons, which raises the minimum quality of every possible outcome. However, the SBC remains luck-based, with no control over position, nation, or Icon version.
Icon Reward Categories Explained
Rather than treating all Icons the same, this SBC’s rewards fall into two clear groups:
Base Icons
Standard Icon items that represent legendary players in their classic form. These range from 87-rated entry Icons to 95-rated endgame legends.
Thunderstruck Icons
Special promo versions with boosted stats compared to their Base counterparts. These are rarer pulls and generally offer better long-term squad value.
See also: FC 26 Winter Wildcards Team 2 Players Leaks, Full List & Release Countdown
Understanding both pools helps set realistic expectations before submitting your squads.
Complete List of Base Icon Rewards (87+)
The following Base Icons are all eligible rewards from the SBC, grouped by overall rating for clarity.
Base Icons – 87 Rated
- Nemanja Vidić (CB)
- Davor Šuker (ST)
- Frank Lampard (CM)
- Claude Makélélé (CDM)
- Ian Wright (ST)
- Fernando Torres (ST)
- Emmanuel Petit (CDM)
- Patrick Kluivert (ST)
- Robert Pirès (LM)
- John Barnes (LW)
- Ian Rush (ST)
- Frank Rijkaard (CDM)
- Xabi Alonso (CDM)
Base Icons – 88 Rated
- Ronald Koeman (CB)
- Paul Scholes (CM)
- David Beckham (RM)
- Gheorghe Hagi (CAM)
- Juan Román Riquelme (CAM)
- Pavel Nedvěd (LM)
- Andriy Shevchenko (ST)
- Michael Laudrup (CAM)
- Fernando Hierro (CB)
- Robin van Persie (ST)
- Michael Owen (ST)
- Steven Gerrard (CM)
- Miroslav Klose (ST)
- Wayne Rooney (ST)
- Bastian Schweinsteiger (CM)
- Marcel Desailly (CB)
- Pichon (ST)
- Franck Ribéry (LM)
- Laurent Blanc (CB)
- Edwin van der Sar (GK)
- Petr Čech (GK)
- Gareth Bale (RW)
- Giorgio Chiellini (CB)
- Patrick Vieira (CM)
- Lilian Thuram (RB)
- Rio Ferdinand (CB)
Base Icons – 89 Rated
- Marcelo (LB)
- Francesco Totti (ST)
- Hristo Stoichkov (ST)
- Alessandro Nesta (CB)
- Jairzinho (RW)
- Peter Schmeichel (GK)
- Smith (ST)
- Eric Cantona (ST)
- Jones (CB)
- Fabio Cannavaro (CB)
- Luís Figo (RW)
- Javier Zanetti (RB)
- Kenny Dalglish (ST)
- Hugo Sánchez (ST)
- Kaká (CAM)
- Didier Drogba (ST)
- Ruud van Nistelrooy (ST)
- Philipp Lahm (RB)
- Carles Puyol (CB)
- Sócrates (CAM)
- Alan Shearer (ST)
- Samuel Eto’o (ST)
- Gary Lineker (ST)
Base Icons – 90 Rated
- Lothar Matthäus (CM)
- Miyama (LM)
- Raúl (ST)
- Seger (CM)
- Iker Casillas (GK)
- Bobby Moore (CB)
- Alessandro Del Piero (CAM)
- Dennis Bergkamp (ST)
- Abily (CM)
- Foudy (CM)
- Schelin (ST)
- Andrea Pirlo (CM)
- George Best (RW)
- Rivaldo (LW)
- Roberto Carlos (LB)
- Toni Kroos (CM)
- Ruud Gullit (CAM)
Base Icons – 91 Rated
- Sawa (CM)
- Gianluigi Buffon (GK)
- Morgan (ST)
- Franco Baresi (CB)
- Eusébio (ST)
- Cafu (RB)
- Roberto Baggio (CAM)
- Xavi (CM)
- Zlatan Ibrahimović (ST)
- Carlos Alberto (RB)
- Oliver Kahn (GK)
- Marco van Basten (ST)
- Thierry Henry (ST)
Base Icons – 92 to 95 Rated
- Garrincha (RW) – 92
- Birgit Prinz (ST) – 92
- Ferenc Puskás (ST) – 92
- Paolo Maldini (CB) – 92
- Franz Beckenbauer (CB) – 92
- Angerer (GK) – 92
- Lev Yashin (GK) – 92
- Andrés Iniesta (CM) – 92
- Sir Bobby Charlton (CAM) – 92
- Gerd Müller (ST) – 92
- Ronaldinho (LW) – 93
- Johan Cruyff (CAM) – 93
- Mia Hamm (ST) – 93
- Ronaldo (ST) – 94
- Zinedine Zidane (CAM) – 94
- Diego Maradona (CAM) – 95
- Pelé (CAM) – 95
See also: FC 26 Winter Wildcards Challenge 2 SBC Tasks, Requirements, and Cheapest Solutions
Complete List of Thunderstruck Icon Rewards
Thunderstruck Icons are upgraded promo versions and represent the best possible outcomes from this SBC.
- Gareth Bale (RW) – 89
- Franck Ribéry (LM) – 89
- Ronald Koeman (CB) – 89
- Bastian Schweinsteiger (CM) – 89
- David Beckham (RM) – 89
- Samuel Eto’o (ST) – 90
- Dennis Bergkamp (ST) – 91
- Abily (CM) – 91
- Roberto Carlos (LB) – 91
- Schelin (ST) – 91
- Rivaldo (LW) – 91
- Xavi (CM) – 92
- Eusébio (ST) – 92
- Franz Beckenbauer (CB) – 93
- Paolo Maldini (CB) – 93
- Birgit Prinz (ST) – 93
- Diego Maradona (CAM) – 96
Best Pulls That Truly Change Your Squad
While every Icon has value, certain pulls offer clear endgame impact:
- Ronaldo (94) – elite striker with pace, strength, and finishing
- Pelé (95) – top-tier CAM with creativity and goal threat
- Thunderstruck Maradona (96) – one of the best attackers in FC 26
- Zidane (94) – dominant central playmaker
- Cruyff (93) – perfect for skill-based attacking systems
- Maldini (92/93 TS) – defensive anchor for any formation
- Beckenbauer (92/93 TS) – elite defender with build-up ability
- Eusébio (91/92 TS) – lethal striker across all modes
These Icons can stay in competitive squads for months without replacement.
FAQs: FC 26 87+ Base or Thunderstruck Icon Upgrade SBC
What is the FC 26 87+ Base or Thunderstruck Icon Upgrade SBC?
The FC 26 87+ Base or Thunderstruck Icon Upgrade SBC is a Squad Building Challenge in Ultimate Team that rewards one untradeable Icon player rated 87 or higher, selected from Base Icons and Thunderstruck Icons.
Does the FC 26 87+ Icon Upgrade SBC guarantee a Thunderstruck Icon?
No. The SBC guarantees one Icon rated 87+, but it can be either a Base Icon or a Thunderstruck Icon. Thunderstruck versions are part of the reward pool but are not guaranteed.
Are 86-rated Icons included in the FC 26 87+ Icon SBC?
No. All 86-rated Icons are excluded from this SBC. Every possible reward is rated 87 or higher, which improves the minimum value compared to older Icon upgrade SBCs.
Can you pack duplicate Icons from the 87+ Icon Upgrade SBC?
Yes. It is possible to pack a duplicate untradeable Icon if you already own that player. Duplicate Icons can only be used as SBC fodder or quick sold.
Are the rewards from the FC 26 87+ Icon Upgrade SBC tradeable?
No. The Icon reward is untradeable, meaning it cannot be sold on the transfer market and must be kept or used within your club.
What are the best Icons you can get from the 87+ Icon Upgrade SBC?
Top-tier pulls include Ronaldo (94), Pelé (95), Zidane (94), Cruyff (93), Ronaldinho (93), and Thunderstruck Maradona (96). These Icons are considered endgame-level players.
Is the FC 26 87+ Base or Thunderstruck Icon Upgrade SBC worth it?
The SBC is worth completing only if you have surplus high-rated fodder and are comfortable with risk. While the reward pool is strong, outcomes are luck-based, and there is no guaranteed high-value Icon.
How many times can you complete the FC 26 87+ Icon Upgrade SBC?
The SBC is repeatable, but it has a limited refresh window. Each completion requires submitting new squads, so fodder management is important.
When is the best time to complete the 87+ Icon Upgrade SBC?
The best time is after Weekend League or Division Rivals rewards, when your club is stocked with high-rated untradeables. Completing it during promos also increases fodder availability.
Is the 87+ Icon Upgrade SBC better for casual or competitive players?
Both can benefit, but for different reasons. Competitive players chase endgame Icons, while casual players may enjoy adding a legendary player to themed or nation-based squads.
The FC 26 87+ Base or Thunderstruck Icon Upgrade SBC delivers one of the most exciting reward pools in Ultimate Team. With 86-rated Icons removed and Thunderstruck versions included, the average quality is higher than previous cycles—but luck still decides everything.More Gaming Guides
If you manage your fodder wisely and keep expectations realistic, this SBC can be one of the most thrilling challenges in FC 26. Play Now!
