EA SPORTS FC 26 brings a wave of nostalgia to Football Ultimate Team with the introduction of Classic XI Heroes—a hand-picked lineup of legendary players who defined unforgettable eras for their clubs and leagues. Whether you’re a casual Ultimate Team fan or a competitive FUT grinder, this promo delivers massive value, iconic names, and long-term squad impact.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Classic XI Heroes in FC 26: what they are, how to get a free Hero pack, the Team of the Year upgrade, the full player list, and the smartest ways to use these cards in your Ultimate Team.

What Are Classic XI Heroes in EA SPORTS FC 26?

Classic XI Heroes are special Hero items in EA SPORTS FC 26 Ultimate Team that celebrate iconic footballers during the peak period of their careers—the seasons that turned them into fan favourites and club legends.
They sit perfectly between regular gold players and Icons:

• Heroes are league- and club-linked, making chemistry easier in hybrid squads.
• They feature boosted stats that reflect their most memorable performances.
• They are designed to remain relevant longer than standard cards.

With the Classic XI campaign, EA SPORTS spotlights a curated eleven Heroes, each representing a classic football era and a distinctive playstyle. These cards are not only fun to use but also strategically valuable throughout the FC 26 cycle.

Why Classic XI Heroes Matter in Ultimate Team

Classic XI Heroes bring three major benefits:

• Immediate squad upgrades thanks to strong all-round stats.
• Unique chemistry advantages that simplify squad building.
• Future-proof value, as every Classic XI Hero receives a guaranteed one-time upgrade during Team of the Year.

Because they’re limited to this promotion, Classic XI Heroes are also attractive to collectors and traders who value exclusive, upgraded items.

How to Get Your Free Classic XI Hero Pack

One of the best parts of this promotion is how easy it is to participate. There are no SBCs, objectives, or grind-heavy requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive your free Classic XI Hero Pack, you must:

• Own EA SPORTS FC 26
• Have an active EA Account
• Log into Football Ultimate Team today January 12 at 9:59 a.m. PT

That’s it. If you meet these conditions, EA will automatically grant you one Classic XI Hero Pack.

Where to Find the Pack In-Game

Once the pack is added to your account:

• Go to Ultimate Team
• Open the Store tab
• Head to My Packs

Your Classic XI Hero Pack will appear there. You can open it immediately or save it for later—the Hero inside will still qualify for the Team of the Year upgrade.

Team of the Year Honourable Mention Upgrade Explained

A major highlight of the Classic XI promo is the guaranteed one-time upgrade tied to Team of the Year (TOTY).

How the Upgrade Works

When TOTY begins, all Classic XI Hero items will automatically upgrade into Team of the Year Honourable Mention Heroes.

• Automatic – no SBCs or objectives required
• One-time only – the upgrade happens once per card
• Permanent – the boosted version stays in your club

These upgrades are designed to capture the heroic moments that defined each player’s career—title-winning seasons, iconic goals, and legendary performances.

Why This Upgrade Is a Big Deal

From both a gameplay and market perspective:

• You receive a high-rated, upgraded Hero for free
• The card stays competitive during the high-power TOTY period
• Market interest in Heroes and related league cards increases

For casual players, this is an easy way to secure a top-tier card. For competitive players and traders, it’s a strong foundation for long-term squad planning.

Full List of Classic XI Heroes in FC 26

The Classic XI lineup features a balanced mix of midfield dynamos, elite finishers, creative attackers, and defensive leaders:

• Blaise Matuidi – Relentless box-to-box midfielder with elite stamina and tackling
• Claudio Marchisio – Elegant central midfielder combining technique, work rate, and leadership
• Guti – Creative maestro known for outrageous vision and passing
• Zé Roberto – Versatile wide midfielder/wing-back with incredible stamina
• Jean-Pierre Papin – Lethal finisher famous for iconic volleys
• Mario Gomez – Traditional number 9 and penalty-box predator
• Gianluca Vialli – Intelligent forward with refined finishing
• Diego Forlán – Long-shot specialist and big-game performer
• Tim Howard – Inspirational goalkeeper with heroic shot-stopping moments
• Harry Kewell – Technically gifted winger capable of spectacular goals
• Vincent Kompany – Commanding centre-back and defensive leader

Each Hero is tied to a specific club and league era, giving you multiple options for squad building and chemistry setups.

Best Ways to Use Your Classic XI Hero

Pulling a Hero is just the beginning. To maximize its impact, you need to build smartly around it.
Chemistry & Linking Tips

• Use players from the same league to boost chemistry easily
• Pair defenders like Kompany or Tim Howard with league-matched backlines
• Use midfielders like Guti or Marchisio to link attackers into hybrid squads

Experiment in Division Rivals or Squad Battles to find the best chemistry setup for your playstyle.

Ideal Roles & Formations

• Matuidi / Marchisio / Zé Roberto – Balanced CM or CDM in 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1
• Forlán / Gomez / Papin / Vialli – Main striker in 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1
• Kewell – LW, LM, or CAM in wide formations
• Kompany – Defensive anchor in a back four or back three
• Tim Howard – Plug-and-play goalkeeper for league-based squads

Applying the right chemistry style (Hunter, Shadow, Engine, Anchor) can significantly elevate each Hero’s in-game performance.

Market Impact & FC 26 Coin Management

Classic XI Heroes also influence the FC 26 transfer market:

• Some gold cards drop as players replace them with Heroes
• Cards from the same leagues may rise due to chemistry demand
• TOTY hype often increases Hero-related market activity

With a strong free Hero in your club, it’s smart to upgrade gradually rather than rebuilding everything at once. Competitive players may choose to accelerate progress using additional FIFA Coin strategies, but careful planning around your Hero’s league usually delivers the best long-term value.
Some Ultimate Team managers choose to buy FIFA Coins to speed up their progress toward a competitive meta squad. If you decide to take this approach, it’s important to use a trusted and reliable marketplace. Platforms like mrgeek.net specialize in FUT Coin trading, offering fast delivery, secure transactions, and services designed specifically for Ultimate Team players.

Final Thoughts

The Classic XI Heroes promo is one of the most player-friendly events in EA SPORTS FC 26. A free Hero, a guaranteed Team of the Year upgrade, and a lineup of iconic footballers make this promotion valuable for every type of Ultimate Team player.
All you need to do is log in today January 12 at 9:59 a.m. PT and welcome a Classic XI Hero into your dream squad. Whether you’re chasing wins, building hybrids, or enjoying football nostalgia, these Heroes are built to make an impact.