The De Paul vs Berhalter Showdown SBC in EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Team lets players back one side of the upcoming MLS Cup Final showdown between Inter Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Completing either or both SBC paths unlocks dynamic Showdown cards that can receive upgrades depending on the match result.
Whether you want Rodrigo De Paul’s all-action midfield presence or Sebastian Berhalter’s composed control from deep, this guide breaks down all SBC tasks, cheapest solutions, upgrade rules, and which Showdown you should complete.
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FC 26 De Paul vs Berhalter Showdown Overview
This limited-time SBC introduces two live items that can receive OVR boosts based on the real match outcome. Showdown cards have been fan favorites for years because of their upgrade potential and strong chemistry links within nation or league squads.
How Showdown Upgrades Typically Work
- Winning team: +2 OVR boost
- Draw: Sometimes +1 for both cards (depends on promo rules for the cycle)
- Losing team: No upgrade
Choosing an SBC path is essentially placing a strategic bet. If your selected player’s team wins, you’ll have an upgraded midfielder capable of staying in your squad for months.
All De Paul vs Berhalter Showdown SBC Requirements
Each player path contains two squad segments. Both paths share the same structure — only the nationality requirement changes in the second task.
De Paul SBC Requirements
1. De Paul – Top Form
- Minimum 1 TOTW player
- Minimum 83 Team Rating
2. De Paul – Argentina
- Minimum 1 Argentina player
- Minimum 84 Team Rating
This path is slightly pricier due to the 84-rated segment but still cheap compared to typical Showdown SBCs.
Berhalter SBC Requirements
1. Berhalter – Top Form
- Minimum 1 TOTW player
- Minimum 83 Team Rating
2. Berhalter – United States
- Minimum 1 United States player
- Minimum 84 Team Rating
The U.S. requirement is flexible since many affordable U.S. golds and specials are on the market.
Cheapest SBC Solutions for Each Segment
Player prices fluctuate, so always double-check the market before submitting. The templates below use low-cost fodder that reliably meets rating requirements.
De Paul – Cheap Solutions
De Paul – Top Form (83, 1 TOTW)
Suggested players:
- Pobega (TOTW) – 83
- Artem Dovbyk – 83
- Athenea – 83
- van de Donk – 83
- Ilkay Gundogan – 83
- Kamara – 83
- Bowen – 83
- Dejan Kulusevski – 83
- Cerci – 83
- Hendrich – 82
- Eriksson – 82
This template uses common 82–83 ratings plus a cheap TOTW.
De Paul – Argentina (84, 1 Argentinian)
Suggested players:
- Enzo Fernandez – 84 (Argentinian option)
- Alexander Sorloth – 84
- Greggi – 84
- Nusken – 84
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – 84
- Alex Greenwood – 84
- Damaris Egurrola – 84
- Fox – 84
- Hampton – 84
- van de Donk – 83
- Ilkay Gundogan – 83
Only one Argentinian is required, making this segment very flexible.
Berhalter – Cheap Solutions
Berhalter – Top Form (83, 1 TOTW)
Same pool as De Paul's first segment:
- Pobega (TOTW) – 83
- Artem Dovbyk – 83
- Athenea – 83
- van de Donk – 83
- Ilkay Gundogan – 83
- Kamara – 83
- Bowen – 83
- Dejan Kulusevski – 83
- Cerci – 83
- Hendrich – 82
- Eriksson – 82
Any TOTW combined with 82–84 fodder completes this cheaply.
Berhalter – United States (84, 1 U.S. player)
Suggested players:
- Enzo Fernandez – 84
- Alexander Sorloth – 84
- Greggi – 84
- Nusken – 84
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – 84
- Alex Greenwood – 84
- Damaris Egurrola – 84
- Fox – 84
- Hampton – 84
- van de Donk – 83
- Ilkay Gundogan – 83
Just swap one slot for a U.S. player if needed (e.g., Catarina Macario).
De Paul or Berhalter – Which Showdown Card Should You Pick?
Both midfielders are fully usable even before upgrades, but they serve different gameplay roles.
De Paul – Best For:
- Box-to-box CM roles
- Squads built around La Liga, Argentina, or hybrid European leagues
- Players wanting stronger defensive presence and physicality
Berhalter – Best For:
- MLS or U.S. National Team squad builders
- Deep-lying playmaker roles
- Users who prefer technical balance over physical domination
Which team is more likely to win?
If you're purely optimization-focused, choose based on match predictions — a +2 boost makes a huge difference.
But chemistry is usually the better long-term decider. Pick the card that will stay in your squad.
How can i save FC 26 Coins on Showdown SBCs?
Check your untradeables first – especially TOTW cards.
- Target 84-rated fodder – these fluctuate the least and are usually cheapest per rating point.
- Complete upgrade packs during lightning rounds for cheap fodder.
- Monitor market dips after pack-heavy promos.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the SBC expire?
Typically, 7-10 days from release, but always check the in-game timer.
Can I complete both De Paul and Berhalter?
Yes, they're separate SBCs, but that's expensive. Most players choose one.
When will the upgrade happen?
Usually within 48 hours after the real-world match concludes.
Do I need chemistry in these squads?
No, these segments have no chemistry requirements—only rating and specific player conditions.
Conclusion
The De Paul vs Berhalter Showdown SBC is a low-cost, high-reward opportunity to add a dynamic, upgradable midfielder to your EA FC 26 squad. Choose the player that fits your team’s chemistry, complete the simple two-segment SBC, and enjoy the extra excitement of the real-life MLS Cup Final. Whether you secure a +2 boost or not, you’ll gain a versatile card ready to make an impact right away.
