FC 26 FUT Champions, known to many as the Weekend League, remains the pinnacle of competitive play in Ultimate Team. Every weekend, players enter a limited set of matches, climb through reward tiers, and compete for some of the best packs, coins, and special items in the game. With FC 26, EA has overhauled the mode—streamlining qualification, introducing a new competitive tier, and refining gameplay to create the sharpest Weekend League experience yet.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Weekend League: qualification, format, timings, ranks, the new Challengers mode, tips, rewards, and more.
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FC 26 Weekend League
The FC 26 Weekend League—officially called FC 26 Champions—is the ultimate test of skill. This season introduces a major redesign:
- No more Playoffs
- No more separate Finals
- A single, unified Champions mode
- More matches
- More reward tiers
- A streamlined entry system
Players now compete in 15 high-stakes matches each weekend. Wins earn points toward your rank and rewards, while losses no longer contribute—making each match matter more than ever.

How to Qualify for FC 26 Weekend League
FC 26 simplifies qualification dramatically. To qualify, you must meet two requirements:
- Reach Division 6 or higher in Rivals
- Earn 1,000 Champions Qualification FIFA Points
Once you hit those thresholds, you can redeem your entry token and join the next Weekend League.
Where Do You Earn Qualification FC Points?
For FC 26, all Qualifying Points come from Division Rivals only, starting from Division 6 upward.
- A win in Division 6 gives 50 points
- Higher divisions give more
- Losses still award a small amount
Because EA removed extra qualification attempts, consistency in weekly Rivals matches is now essential.
How to Join the Champions Mode
- Go to the Ultimate Team → Competitions tab
- Select Champions
- Redeem your 1,000 Qualification Points
Your entry is now locked in for the upcoming weekend. Keep playing Rivals to maintain future eligibility.
Weekend League Format in FC 26
The structure will feel familiar, but more streamlined:
- 15 matches total
- 4 points for a win, 1 for a loss
- Ranks determined by total points
- Updated rules mean some quits/disconnects may still award wins
- Daily caps exist for awarded wins
- All matches use the Competitive Gameplay preset for sharper, more consistent mechanics
The reduced match count means less time commitment—but far less margin for error.
fc 26 Weekend League Start & End Times
The Weekend League runs every weekend.
EA FC 26’s first Weekend League begins on:
October 3, 2025
Standard schedule:
- Starts: Friday, 20:00
- Ends: Monday, 08:59
- Total time available: 85 hours
This aligns with the classic structure many players are used to—short, intense, and highly competitive.
Challengers: The New Tier Below Champs
Not everyone reaches Division 6—and that’s where the new Challengers mode comes in.
Challengers offers:
- Access for Divisions 10–7
- A Weekend League–style competition
- Its own match count and reward ladder
- A progression-friendly environment
- A bridge toward future Champs qualification
This mode replaces the old Playoff system and creates a more inclusive, scalable competitive ecosystem.
FUT Champions Ranks & Rewards in FC 26
The reward system is expanded to 15 total tiers, giving every player meaningful progress—even after a rough weekend.
Confirmed Rank 1 Rewards (Season 1)
| # | Reward Type | Reward Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FIFA 26 Coins | 85,000 |
| 2 | Current Campaign Guarantees | 2 (Untradeable) |
| 3 | TOTW Player Packs | 3 × 83+ |
| 4 | Rare Gold Player Packs | 3 × 88+ |
| 5 | RGP Pack | 10 × 84+ |
| 6 | RGP Pack | 10 × 83+ |
| 7 | RGP Pack | 10 × 84+ (Untradeable) |
Rewards are intentionally less inflated than last year to slow early power creep. Season-to-season updates are expected.
Best Time to Play FUT Champs in fc 26
Choosing when you play often matters as much as how well you play.
Historically:
- Friday: Sweatiest—top players finish early
- Saturday: Mixed skill pool
- Sunday: Easiest overall—best for climbing ranks
- Final hours: Casual-heavy lobbies as top players have finished
Challengers may further soften matchmaking, but the general trend remains.
FC 26 FUT Champions Tips & Tricks:
- Take breaks every 2–3 games
- Disable opponent celebrations to stay focused.
- Use a wired connection
- Avoid Friday pressure matches
- Finish all matches—rage quitting kills your rank
- Stay calm and trust your game plan
The new Competitive Gameplay preset rewards smart defending, manual actions, and clean passing. Mental discipline is now more important than ever.
FUT Market Strategy Around FC 26 Weekend League
The market follows familiar patterns:
- Before Friday: Prices rise as players prepare squads
- Monday morning: Prices crash as Weekend League rewards drop
This year’s slower reward pace means:
- Cards may hold value longer
- Market dips may be smaller
- Smart timing is still crucial
Buy on Monday → Sell on Friday remains the most reliable cycle.
FAQ: FC 26 FUT Champions
How do I qualify for the FC 26 Weekend League?
To qualify, you must first reach Division 6 in Rivals and then earn 1,000 Champions Qualification Points from playing Division Rivals matches.
When does the Weekend League start and end?
The Weekend League begins every Friday at 8:00 PM and runs until the following Monday at 8:59 AM (local time based on your console/region).
When are FUT Champions rewards released?
Rewards are granted immediately after you play your final match and confirm your rank. If you don't complete all your games, your rewards are automatically issued when the event closes on Monday.
What is the best time to play Weekend League matches?
For the most favorable matchmaking, playing on Sunday or during the final hours on Monday morning is generally recommended, as the player pool is often more varied.
What is a respectable rank to achieve?
Aiming for 8-9 wins is a strong and achievable goal for most players, offering valuable rewards without the intense pressure of the highest ranks.
What is the new "Challengers" mode?
Challengers is a new competitive tier for players in Divisions 10 through 7, acting as a bridge to the main FUT Champions mode with its own Weekend League-style format and rewards.
Conclusion
FC 26 delivers the most refined version of FUT Champions to date. With Play-Offs removed, qualification streamlined, Challengers added, and gameplay tuned competitively, the Weekend League feels sharper, fairer, and more rewarding.
With only 15 matches, every game counts—and climbing the 15-tier ladder feels more meaningful across the entire season.
Whether you’re grinding for top-tier packs, chasing Rank 1, or using Challengers as your stepping stone, the FC 26 Weekend League remains the ultimate battleground for skill and consistency.
Prepare smart. Time your matches well. And embrace the intensity—
FC 26 FUT Champions is more thrilling than ever.