| Release date of the TOTY FC 26 set: reveal on January 16, full team in packs on January 22 at 7 pm, event ends on January 30. |
| Complete schedule by phases: forwards, then midfielders, then defenders + goalkeepers, before the full team pack drop. |
| Official announcement from EA: community votes, Selected Players male and female, Icon cards and Honorable Mentions. |
| Objectives, SBCs (DCE) and pack odds pace the most anticipated Sports Event of virtual Football ex-FIFA. |
| Recommended strategy: save your packs, target the 7 pm windows, monitor the market and optimize chemistry as soon as items are released. |
The Team of the Year by EA SPORTS launches every season the most followed race in virtual Football. Driven by a highly awaited Official announcement, the TOTY FC 26 is organized around successive release phases, calibrated to energize the Competition and markets. The first packs target the offensive lines, then midfielders, before concluding with defenders and goalkeeper. Finally, the full team rotates in with a peak audience at 7 pm, a now standard timeslot.
This edition confirms the rising strength of female squads, integrated into votes and special content. Between premium SBCs, themed Icons and Honorable Mentions, the Sports Event extends over about ten days. Ambitious clubs prepare their credits, stockpile their packs and watch for the exact Release date to maximize their chances. The pressure rises, as each opening can shake a season.
TOTY FC 26 Release date: official schedule, key times and drops
The pace is structured around fixed milestones. The official reveal on January 16 launches the operation, with the first wave dedicated to forwards at 7 pm (French time). Two days later, midfielders follow at the same time, then defenders and the goalkeeper arrive.
According to the Complete schedule communicated, the full team in packs on January 22 at 7 pm marks the culmination. The event closes on January 30, after the Honorable Mentions window. These milestones structure the content offer and transfer market activity.
- January 16 – 7 pm: reveal and forwards
- January 18 – 7 pm: midfielders
- January 20 – 7 pm: defenders + goalkeeper
- January 22 – 7 pm: complete Team of the Year in packs
- January 26 – 7 pm: Honorable Mentions
- January 30 – 7 pm: end of promotion
Remembering these time slots allows optimizing openings and anticipating fluctuations.
How releases proceed: forwards, midfield, defense and goalkeeper
The progression by lines showcases the most coveted positions. First, strikers attract attention and drive prices up. Then, midfielders balance team builds. Finally, the defensive line and goalkeeper stabilize the meta.
Each step triggers peaks in packs and transactions. Clubs alternate sales and purchases according to their priorities. This system maintains tension until the full team packs drop, where demand reaches its peak.
Understanding this rhythm helps plan credits and SBCs.
Official images help identify dominant profiles and plan team compositions.
Fan voting, Official announcement and selection criteria of the Team of the Year
Community voting influences the visibility of Selected Players, but EA’s Official announcement finalizes the list. Performances in clubs and international competitions serve as references, with increased focus on consistency.
In both female and male teams, titles, statistical impact and influence in big matches make the difference. Advanced metrics now support evaluation. This approach mixes popularity and sporting merit.
The result shapes the meta and redefines virtual clubs’ priorities.
Selected players, Honorable Mentions and meta balance
The final list rewards XXL seasons, while Honorable Mentions value remarkable journeys. These cards fill positional needs and influence chemistry. They lower the bar of entry to competitive teams.
Clubs must assess impact position by position. A well-placed honorable mention can unlock a key nation or specific league. Thus, it sometimes changes the meta more than a single premium card.
Good judgement depends on playstyle and available club links.
These video analyses provide markers to prioritize packs and budgets.
SBCs, TOTY Icons and budget management: the method that pays off
Daily SBCs introduce value opportunities. Themed Icons integrate into hybrids and stabilize chemistry. At the same time, live objectives offer progressive packs, perfect for pacing before the Release date of the full team.
To stay in control, a roadmap is necessary. Target the 7 pm slots, sell on spikes, then buy back during the night reduces risks. This discipline protects capital throughout the Sports Event.
- Stock packs before January 22, 7 pm
- Complete upgrade SBCs while the TOTY FC 26 is active
- Monitor the market 30 minutes after each drop
- Prioritize strong links for team chemistry
- Reserve a credit fund for opportunities
Rigorous management turns waiting into a competitive advantage.
Case study: Hexagone FC optimizes their TOTY window
Hexagone FC holds 40 non-rare packs until January 22. The club sells its fodders on the evening of the most sought-after SBCs, then reinvests in undervalued meta cards after 11 pm. This routine times credit flow with key moments.
When defenders come out, the team tests Ligue 1–La Liga hybrids with an Icon to secure chemistry. The result is a competitive squad and positive balance. This plan capitalizes on drop tempo.
The method remains simple: anticipate, execute, adjust.
Packs, probabilities and market: what to watch at the right time
Pack probabilities evolve according to offers. Mega promotions attract, but targeted upgrades often give more control. Watching store rotation and displayed percentages reduces randomness.
On the market, cycles are clear: rise at announcement, lull after pack openings, then rise again before qualifiers. The 7 pm and post-midnight windows dictate the best opportunities. Players must stick to this to avoid impulse buys.
This time discipline translates into stronger teams for the Competition.
What is the key Release date for the full TOTY FC 26 team?
According to the Official announcement, the full team enters packs on January 22 at 7 pm (French time). The event ends on January 30, also at 7 pm.
At what times do the different lines (forwards, midfield, defense) launch?
The standard schedule fixes drops at 7 pm: forwards on January 16, midfielders on the 18th, defenders + goalkeeper on the 20th. The slots are coordinated for Europe.
Are female teams included in the Team of the Year?
Yes. Votes and Selected Players cover female and male teams, with cards and SBCs dedicated in the same content window.
When to open packs to maximize chances?
The densest window starts January 22 at 7 pm, when the full Team of the Year is in packs. Upgrades and SBCs become more profitable then.
What to remember if coming from the FIFA era?
The setup remains familiar: same promotion cycles, community voting, Icons and Honorable Mentions. Only branding and some mechanics have evolved.