Ultimate Gauntlet 5 was one of the best value objective sets released during the FC 26 Ultimate Team cycle, rewarding players with free packs, coins, EVO consumables, and a standout 86 OVR Moments Lukas Podolski card. The event has since expired, but this guide documents exactly how it worked—every task, every reward, and the fastest completion strategy—as a reference for anyone looking back at it or wondering how similar Gauntlet events might work in the future.
What Was Ultimate Gauntlet 5 in FC 26?
Ultimate Gauntlet 5 was a limited-time objective set that rewarded players simply for playing matches in a special Gauntlet playlist and scoring at least one goal across multiple different games. There were no restrictive squad rules or difficult win conditions—players just needed to enter the correct mode, play their matches, and progress naturally as long as they scored in most of them.
Completing all nine tasks unlocked a wide range of packs, coin bonuses, EVO consumables, and the featured Podolski item, making it one of the better early-cycle opportunities to boost a club that season.
How Ultimate Gauntlet 5 Was Accessed
While live, the event was accessed directly from the Ultimate Team menus:
- Open Ultimate Team
- Navigate to the Objectives tab
- Enter the Live / Seasonal Events section
- Select Ultimate Gauntlet 5
- Enter the dedicated Gauntlet 5 play mode
Note:
- Only matches played in the correct Gauntlet 5 playlist counted toward progress.
- Division Rivals, Champions, or Friendlies did not progress the objectives.
All Ultimate Gauntlet 5 Tasks and Rewards
Match Objectives
| Task | Requirement | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Play 1 | Play 1 match | 2× 81+ Rare Gold Players Pack |
| Play 2 | Play 2 matches | 3× 81+ Rare Gold Players Pack |
| Play 3 | Play 3 matches | 7× 80+ Rare Gold Players Pack |
| Play 12 | Play 12 matches | 1× 85–89 Rare Gold Players Pack |
Scoring Objectives
| Task | Requirement | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Score in 3 | Score in 3 different matches | EVO Consumable (DLP+ EVO) |
| Score in 5 | Score in 5 different matches | 5,000 Coins |
| Score in 6 | Score in 6 different matches | 85–87 Rare Gold Player Pack |
| Score in 7 | Score in 7 different matches | EVO Unlock (Bruiser+ EVO) |
| Score in 9 | Score in 9 different matches | 10× 83+ Rare Gold Players Pack |
Final Group Reward
Completing all tasks unlocked:
- 86 OVR Moments Lukas Podolski
This special Podolski item was the headline reward of the Gauntlet—and completely free to earn.
Key Features:
- Overall Rating: 86
- Position: Attacking forward (striker or wide roles)
- PlayStyles: Power Shot+, Low Driven Shot, Gamechanger
Strengths:
- Elite long-range shooting
- Physical presence
- High shot power
Since completing the Gauntlet only required playing 12 matches and scoring in several of them—with no win requirement at all—this was effectively a free elite attacker for anyone who put in the time.
The Fastest Way Players Finished Ultimate Gauntlet 5
Build a Balanced, Reliable Squad
A "superteam" wasn't necessary—just players with good pace on the wings, strong finishing (Shot Power, Finishing, Long Shots), and midfielders capable of keeping possession made the grind smooth.
Score Early in Every Game
Since scoring objectives depended on unique matches rather than total goals, prioritizing an early goal—via quick through balls, timed runs, the Power Shot mechanic, or finishing-boosted PlayStyles—let players relax for the rest of the match once it was secured.
Winning Didn't Matter
Players could lose all 12 matches and still complete the full objective set, since progress depended only on matches played and matches scored in, not results.
Objectives Stacked Automatically
Every match progressed multiple tasks at once—scoring in a 5th match, for example, advanced Play 1/2/3/12 and Score in 3/5/6/7/9 simultaneously, meaning a full completion was realistically possible within the 12-match window if a player scored consistently.
Connection Stability Mattered
Avoiding queue attempts on a poor connection and always finishing matches was the simplest way to avoid wasted progress.
How to Get Podolski Now That Gauntlet 5 Has Expired
Ultimate Gauntlet 5 officially expired on December 1, 2025, so the free objective path to Podolski's Moments card is no longer available. That said, Podolski has remained obtainable through other routes since then, including a later Squad Building Challenge and as a signable player in Career Mode—so missing the original event doesn't permanently rule him out of your club.
FAQ: FC 26 Ultimate Gauntlet 5
Is Ultimate Gauntlet 5 still available?
No. The event expired on December 1, 2025. This guide serves as a reference for how it worked while it was live.
Can I still get Moments Podolski?
Not through Gauntlet 5 directly, but Podolski has become available through other means since then, including SBCs and as a Career Mode signing.
Did winning matches matter for progress?
No. Progress was based entirely on matches played and matches scored in—results had no bearing on objective completion.
Will EA release more Ultimate Gauntlet events?
Given the Gauntlet format's popularity and its recurring structure across FC 26, similar objective sets are likely to return in some form, though specific rewards and requirements vary each time.
Conclusion
Ultimate Gauntlet 5 offered an excellent mix of gameplay, rewards, and long-term value during its run in FC 26. It required only 12 matches, didn't force wins, and provided some of the best packs available in the game at the time. With two EVO items included and a free Moments Podolski as the final reward, it stood out as one of the better objective sets of that period—even if the window to complete it has since closed.
