| Lautaro Martínez is the star player of the Team of the Week Week 17 in EA FC 26. |
| His card shows an exceptional performance in-game at the ST position with a base rating of 88. |
| TOTW 17 availability: from January 7th, 7 p.m., to the following Wednesday, 6:59 p.m., in packs. |
| In-game club: Lombardia FC (license equivalent of Inter), nation: Argentina. |
| Ideal synergies: Serie A and Argentine links for competitive hybrids in game modes Rivals and Champions. |
| Other notable Week 17 cards: Désiré Doué and Declan Rice. |
| Market tips: buy late on the weekend, sell before weekly rewards. |
Heading to Milan, where Lautaro Martínez confirms his status by establishing himself as the face of the Team of the Week for Week 17. In EA FC 26, the Argentine forward, listed under Lombardia FC, receives an upgraded card that appeals to both competitors and special card collectors. The pack window opens on January 7th at 7 p.m. and closes a week later, naturally influencing the market and team building for Rivals, Champions, and Draft.
The community inherited from FIFA is not mistaken: the Argentine ticks all the boxes of the modern poacher. Thus, high pressing, diagonal runs, and clinical finishing align with Inzaghi’s philosophy transposed in-game. Moreover, the current meta rewards STs able to draw defenders and then release the weak flank. Logically, his initial price is expected to be high, but buying windows exist if you anticipate rewards and pack flows.
Lautaro Martínez as the face of EA FC 26’s Team of the Week 17
Undisputed, Lautaro Martínez dominates the weekly selection thanks to an exceptional performance that validates his role as star player. His base 88 card in EA FC 26 receives a targeted boost in shooting, aggression, and positioning, three levers that turn half-chances into goals. In-game, his control-shoot combo on first touch stands out as a constant weapon.
In the database, the Argentine plays for Lombardia FC, the in-game equivalent of Inter. Consequently, he benefits from premium links with Serie A and compatriots, making powerful hybrids easier. As a result, competitive squads can maintain tempo on the flanks while keeping a lethal anchor point.
Meta impact: why the TOTW 17 card changes your game modes
In Rivals and Champions, Lautaro Martínez’s TOTW card matters on ball loss and punishes the slightest gap. In fact, the current gameplay values STs who attack the near post and secure the killer zone. Thus, a Hunter or Hawk style enhances speed and finishing, while Engine smooths ball control under pressure.
- Hunter style: maximum acceleration to attack space.
- Hawk style: improved long-distance finishing and aerial duels.
- Engine style: cleaner agility and control under pressure.
Additionally, his Argentine links combine well with explosive wingers, enabling quick switches. Consequently, transitions happen in two passes, and opposing pressure turns against itself.
Video analysis often helps to fine-tune your timing of runs and control orientation. Test multiple patterns to stabilize your match habits.
EA FC 26: base 88 vs TOTW special card of Week 17
The Argentine’s base card already offers a complete profile. However, the special cards version of Week 17 pushes key attributes: information gathering, explosiveness, and finishing from tight angles. Concretely, your curled shots travel faster, your shoulder duels are won more often, and your drops create gaps for vertical passes.
In practice, the gap is especially noticeable against low blocks, common in Champions. Thus, the first touch is cleaner, the shooting window opens earlier, and execution follows. The result: you convert more xG on set plays.
Optimized synergies and hybrid links for game modes
To get the most from Lautaro Martínez, squad building counts as much as the card. In Serie A, box-to-box midfielders create dynamic lanes; on the Argentine side, technical wingers fix and then shift in the box. Hence, the striker often receives facing goal, where he hurts the most.
- Serie A/Argentina hybrid: balance between pressing and quick projection.
- Fast wingers + attacking fullbacks: tight crosses at the near post for instant finishes.
- Ball-winning + playmaking midfielders: free the center for the Argentine’s inside runs.
On the other hand, avoid overly static attacks that neutralize his runs. Rely on short triangles to feed him in motion.
A well-thought builder reduces chemistry loss while maximizing passing rhythms. Test several versions before qualifiers.
Team of the Week 17: Doué and Rice support EA FC 26’s star
Around Lautaro Martínez, the Team of the Week also features Désiré Doué and Declan Rice. The former brings creativity and penetration between the lines, useful to break the first defense line. The latter secures the center with volume, interceptions, and clean distribution, stabilizing build-ups under pressure.
In practice, these profiles pair well with a dominant ST. Thus, Doué feeds zone 14, Rice protects transitions, and the Argentine finishes. This complementarity makes TOTW 17 squads particularly competitive in high ladders.
Pack timing, market, and tips to master the ecosystem
The schedule is clear: TOTW 17 releases on January 7th at 7 p.m. and leaves packs the following Wednesday at 6:59 p.m. Prices often drop during late-night pack waves, then rebound during weekend competitions. However, watch rewards carefully: they generate dips to exploit.
- Buy: weekend late evening or during big pack waves.
- Sell: before Rivals/Champions when demand spikes.
- Test: 10-15 friendlies before committing points in competitive.
If budget is tight, prioritize upgrades on key positions: ST, CDM, and fullbacks. Every credit must yield measurable match gains.
From “El Toro” to Lombardia FC: useful landmarks for fans and players
Nicknamed El Toro, Lautaro Martínez started in Argentina at Racing Club, with a remarkable debut on November 1, 2015, replacing Diego Milito. Since then, he has built a reputation as a relentless finisher and attacking captain in Serie A. In the game, this background translates into effective animations and aggression true to his identity.
For EA FC 26 players, this identity is cultivated through simple patterns: overlapping runs, one-touch layoffs, then projection behind the defense. Thus, his in-game realism acts as a performance accelerator in competitive game modes. Ultimately, the Argentine establishes himself as a reliable offensive anchor week after week.
When is Lautaro Martínez’s TOTW card available?
The Week 17 card is in packs from January 7th at 7 p.m. until the following Wednesday at 6:59 p.m., with peaks of openings during late-night pack waves.
What is the best use of Lautaro Martínez in Ultimate Team?
Play him as a left-axis ST to attack the near post. Use Hunter or Hawk styles, and trigger diagonal runs from zone 14 to maximize his finishing.
Which championship and nation synergies work best?
Serie A for club/league links and Argentina to hybrid with fast wingers. This maintains chemistry while optimizing depth.
Does this TOTW card fully replace his base 88 version?
Yes for competitive: the Week 17 version offers key boosts in finishing, explosiveness, and aggression, especially useful against low blocks. The base remains viable on a reduced budget.
Why mention FIFA when the series is called EA FC?
The community and its references come from the FIFA era. Meta, market, and gameplay habits now continue in EA FC 26, with new nomenclatures and licenses.