EA Sports has confirmed that the popular Greats of the Game promotion will return to EA FC 26 Ultimate Team on June 19, bringing a celebration of iconic World Cup performances from football legends.
The event forms part of the ongoing Festival of Football campaign, which is running alongside the 2026 FIFA World Cup and aims to honor some of the greatest players and moments in tournament history.
The latest edition of Greats of the Game is expected to introduce a fresh collection of Icons and Heroes, including the Ultimate Team debuts of Argentine World Cup winner Mario Kempes and Brazilian legend Rivellino.
The promotion will replace the current Path to Glory squad in packs when it launches at 6 p.m. BST, marking the next phase of EA Sports’ World Cup-themed content.
According to leaks from well-known insider FUT Sheriff, several of football’s most celebrated stars are set to receive highly rated special cards.
Among the rumored headliners are Zinedine Zidane, Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry, and Ronaldo, all expected to receive 97-rated items, while Ronaldinho is tipped for a 96-rated card.
Hero items reportedly include Wesley Sneijder, Diego Forlan, and Vincent Kompany.
EA Sports has also teased several players through updated Ultimate Team loading screens. The promotional images appear to confirm special versions of Zidane, Franz Beckenbauer, Rivellino, and Kempes, all inspired by their legendary World Cup achievements.
Additional content is expected through Squad Building Challenges, Objectives, and themed Evolutions that allow players to upgrade selected cards into Greats of the Game versions.
Live upgrades are also expected to return, continuing a feature that has become popular in previous World Cup and continental tournament promotions.
While EA Sports has yet to reveal the exact mechanics for EA FC 26, previous editions rewarded cards with overall rating boosts and additional PlayStyle+ upgrades based on goals scored by a player’s nation and tournament success.
Alongside the historic Icons and Heroes, the promotion is expected to introduce the first Star Performer cards of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who recently scored a hat-trick in the tournament, is widely tipped to feature among the first selections.
