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The EA FC 26 Ultimate Team cycle begins with the innovative Cornerstones promo, highlighting young stars who are seen as the future pillars of their clubs. These special live items are not static; they can receive significant boosts based on real-world performances. For players seeking an early advantage, understanding the upgrade mechanics is crucial. This dynamic nature makes them valuable both for gameplay and trading, especially when paired with strategic investments in FC 26 Coins to build competitive squads quickly.
Cornerstones Upgrade Mechanics
The upgrade system is directly linked to each player's domestic league performance over the next four matches after release. This means both team results and individual contributions play a role in determining whether a card improves.

• +1 In-Form Upgrade: Awarded if the player's team wins at least two of their next four domestic league matches.
  
• +1 In-Form Upgrade: Granted if the player achieves two goal contributions (goals or assists) in those matches.
  

These upgrades can stack, allowing for up to a +2 boost. The moment the promo launches, tracking fixtures and player form becomes essential for predicting market trends and in-game performance.
Cornerstones Team 1 Player List
The first release offers a diverse lineup from major European leagues, ideal for both starter squads and long-term team building. Below is the complete list with base and Cornerstones ratings.
Player Name
Club
Nation
Position
Base Rating
Cornerstones RatingLamine Yamal
FC Barcelona
Spain
RW
78
86
Cole Palmer
Chelsea
England
CAM
79
86
William Saliba
Arsenal
France
CB
85
88
Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen
Germany
CAM
86
89
Warren Zaïre-Emery
Paris Saint-Germain
France
CM
80
87
Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United
England
CM
77
85
Jérémy Doku
Manchester City
Belgium
LW
81
86
Rasmus Højlund
Manchester United
Denmark
ST
79
85
Giorgio Scalvini
Atalanta
Italy
CB
79
85
Mathys Tel
Bayern Munich
France
ST
76
84
Riccardo Calafiori
Bologna
Italy
CB
78
84
João Neves
Benfica
Portugal
CM
79
85
Featured Player Insights
Florian Wirtz (CAM, 89 OVR) stands out with elite dribbling and passing, making him a perfect creative hub for Bundesliga squads. His boosted pace and shooting make him a threat from midfield, and Bayer Leverkusen’s form suggests both upgrades are realistic.
William Saliba (CB, 88 OVR) offers top-tier defensive solidity for Premier League teams. His pace increase allows him to match quick attackers, and Arsenal’s strong record makes him a safe investment for upgrades.
Lamine Yamal (RW, 86 OVR) brings explosive pace and agility to the right wing. Barcelona’s attacking style ensures frequent goal involvement, making his upgrade potential high and appealing for meta squads.
SBC and Objectives
The promo also features special acquisition routes beyond packs. Xavi Simons (CAM, 86 OVR) is available via SBC, costing around 120,000 coins and requiring three squads. His versatility, with strong links to Bundesliga and Ligue 1 players, makes him a strategic addition.
Johan Bakayoko (RW, 84 OVR) can be earned through objectives, offering a free yet upgradeable winger for Eredivisie or Belgian-themed teams. Requirements include scoring with Eredivisie players, assisting with RWs, winning matches with specific squad compositions, and finesse goals by Belgian players.
With the Cornerstones promo blending real-world performance into Ultimate Team progression, strategic planning is essential. Monitoring fixtures, player form, and market movement can yield significant rewards, especially when combined with trusted resources like FC 26 coins legit seller to maximize squad building potential.