As anticipation builds for EA FC 26, the next installment in EA’s iconic football simulation series, rumors and leaks have begun to swirl, sparking excitement within the gaming community. Following the success of EA FC 25, players are eagerly awaiting new features, gameplay updates, and, of course, the addition of FC 26 Coins legendary players that will join the Ultimate Team mode. One of the most intriguing developments is the news that EA FC 26 might introduce 12 new Icons, a change that could significantly impact how players build their teams in Ultimate Team (UT) and expand the strategic depth of the game.

What Are Icons in EA FC?
In the world of EA FC (formerly FIFA), Icons are special player cards that represent some of the greatest footballers in history. These are retired legends, highly rated and often central to high-level Ultimate Team squads. What makes Icons so valuable in UT is their flexibility. Unlike regular players, they offer unique chemistry advantages and high stats that allow them to fit seamlessly into virtually any team composition.

Previous editions of the game featured legendary players such as Pele, Zinedine Zidane, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruyff, with each Icon having three different versions: Base, Mid, and Prime, each representing a different stage of the player's career. These versions reflect how a player performed in their prime years, making them highly coveted by players looking to build top-tier teams.

New Icons in EA FC 26: What We Know So Far
According to leaks circulating within the gaming community, EA FC 26 will feature 12 new Icons, adding a fresh layer of excitement to Ultimate Team. These additions will enrich the current roster of legends, giving players even more options when building their fantasy squads. As with past Icons, these new players will be available to collect, trade, and compete with in various game modes, including leagues, weekend tournaments, and team battles.

Though the identities of these new Icons have not been officially confirmed by EA, rumors suggest several possible candidates. Speculation has led to the following names, though it’s important to note that these are still unconfirmed and should be taken with a grain of salt:

David Villa – Spain's top scorer and one of the key figures in Spain's golden generation, Villa would bring skill and leadership to any squad.

Yaya Toure – A dominant force in midfield during his time with Manchester City and the Ivory Coast national team, Toure’s power and vision would make him a key asset in any team.

Arjen Robben – Known for his blistering pace and deadly left-foot shot, Robben would bring a unique flair to EA FC 26, particularly for fans who enjoy fast, direct attacking play.

Francesco Totti – The legendary AS Roma playmaker, Totti’s creativity and technical skill would make him a perfect addition for players who value playmaking ability.

Carlos Tevez – A tireless forward who enjoyed success with clubs in Argentina, England, and Italy, Tevez could provide both versatility and grit for any squad.

While these names have not been confirmed by EA, they have been popular among fans and are in line with past trends of player requests and historical performance.

Pre-order Bonuses: What’s in Store for EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition?
As part of EA’s long-standing tradition, players who pre-order the Ultimate Edition of EA FC 26 before August 26, 2025, may receive exclusive bonuses. These bonuses typically include early access to the game, special in-game items, and more.

Previous pre-order perks have included:

Early Access – Up to 7 days early access to the full game.

Exclusive Jerseys & Stadium Items – Special kits, stadiums, and other visual assets that are only available to pre-order players.

Loan Player Items – These items could include Icons or Heroes, allowing players to temporarily use legendary players in their Ultimate Team.

Ultimate Team Early Access Pack – A special pack with exclusive players or consumables for use in Ultimate Team mode.

If the rumors hold true, the EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition could be one of the best pre-order packages yet, featuring not only early access to the game but also exclusive Icons and additional Ultimate Team rewards.

Icons and Heroes: How They Impact Ultimate Team
The introduction of new Icons would drastically affect Ultimate Team’s landscape. With each new Icon comes new opportunities for team-building strategies, fresh metas, and renewed interest in competitive and casual play alike. Icons, due to their high ratings and chemistry bonuses, are among the most coveted cards in UT. Whether it's pairing Lionel Messi with Johan Cruyff or combining Patrick Vieira with Jude Bellingham, Icons allow players to create dream teams that can blend different eras, nationalities, and playstyles.

In addition to the Icons, leaks also suggest the introduction of new Heroes in EA FC 26. Heroes differ from Icons in that they represent fan-favorite players who may not have achieved global icon status but are nonetheless revered for their performances in specific seasons or tournaments. Heroes bring a sense of nostalgia and offer players the chance to pay tribute to those who shaped their footballing memories, even if those players don’t reach the legendary status of Icons.

Although rumors and leaks are fun and generate excitement, they should be taken with caution until official confirmation from EA. However, regardless of whether the leaks about 12 new Icons and pre-order bonuses turn out to be true, one thing is certain: EA FC 26 will be packed with new content, offering a fresh and exciting experience for Ultimate Team players.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the official announcements, and players are encouraged to stay tuned for updates. For those looking to get ahead of buy EAFC 26 Coins the game, MMOexp will have the latest news and will offer EA FC 26 coins to help you build your Ultimate Team. Whether the rumors are accurate or not, EA FC 26 promises to be one of the most content-rich entries in the franchise, and Ultimate Team fans have a lot to look forward to.