Cornerstones promo
The devs have confirmed that the first promo of EA FC 26 will be a new event called Cornerstones, giving fans the perfect opportunity to boost their Ultimate Team early on. Here’s everything we know about the campaign, including all of the players included.
EA FC 26 Cornerstones start date
The Cornerstones update got underway on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST. This is the same day that the early access window ended and FC 26 launches worldwide, so all players have access to the event.
Although not officially confirmed, the squad posted by EA was marked as “Team 1,” which implies that a second team is on the way on October 3.
The first campaign was originally expected to be Road to the Knockouts, after leakers uncovered the card design, but it appears that this will come later instead.
EA SPORTSWhat is Cornerstones?
Just like every promo in FC 26, Cornerstones brings a team full of special cards that will be available from packs. The items will have upgraded stats and possibly additional PlayStyles, as well as +2 Club chemistry links, making them great for building unique squads.
As explained by the devs in a pre-launch blog, the event “shines a spotlight on the players that teams are built around, dependable leaders, pivotal long-term signings, and young talents who’ve stepped up to become central to their clubs’ success.”
The team has also revealed that they want to slow down the power curve this year with smaller boosts, so don’t expect the stat boosts to be as drastic as last year.
On top of the player items, the promo also comes with plenty of objectives, SBCs, and Evolutions to complete.
All players
Team 1
- Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
- Cole Palmer (Cole Palmer)
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
- Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City)
- Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
- Wendie Renard (Lyon)
- Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
- Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)
- Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest)
- Corentin Tolisso (Lyon)
- Malik Tilman (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
- Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna)
- Gianluca Mancini (Roma)
- Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli)
- Lisa Karl (SC Freiburg)
- Brad Guzan (Atlanta United)
- Marwane Saadane (Al-Fateh)
- Lauri (Granada)
- Diego Chara (Portland Timbers)
SBCs & objectives
- Mateo Retegui (Al Qadusiyah)
- Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal)
- Arnau Martinez (Girona)
- Darlington Nagbe (Columbus Crew)
That’s everything we know about Cornerstones so far. We’ll be sure to update this page with a full breakdown of all the players included when they’re announced.