Every year, one of the most hotly debated topics in the football gaming community revolves around player ratings in EA Sports' flagship football title. With EA FC 26 set to release on September 26, excitement and speculation are already running high. Fans, content creators, and Ultimate Team enthusiasts have been busy predicting how their favorite stars will be rated in the new edition.

It's important to clarify, however, that these ratings are predictions, not confirmed numbers. The actual stats will only be revealed by EA once the game is officially launched. Still, predictions often spark lively debates and help players prepare for Ultimate Team strategies in advance -including saving packs, budgeting for transfers, and stocking up on FC 26 Coins.

Why Player Ratings Matter So Much

Player ratings are more than just numbers; they directly influence gameplay, squad-building choices, and even the in-game market. A small change of one or two points in a key stat like Pace, Passing, or Shooting can completely shift a player's popularity and value in Ultimate Team.

For example, a striker upgraded from 86 Pace to 88 Pace may suddenly become meta, leading to skyrocketing demand. Similarly, a downgrade for an aging defender could make them fall out of favor among competitive players. These fluctuations fuel speculation throughout the preseason and set the tone for which cards will dominate the FUT economy.

Predicted Top-Rated Players in EA FC 26

While official ratings remain under wraps, analysts and fans have pieced together likely projections based on real-world performances during the 2024–25 season. Here are some names frequently mentioned in community predictions:

Kylian Mbappé – Expected to retain one of the highest ratings in the game, potentially 92 OVR, thanks to his blistering pace and consistent goal-scoring form.

Erling Haaland – After another record-breaking season, Haaland may rise to 92 OVR, cementing his status as the ultimate striking powerhouse.

Lionel Messi – Still a legend, though some predict a slight downgrade to 89 OVR as his age begins to impact pace and stamina.

Jude Bellingham – Following an incredible breakout year at Real Madrid, Bellingham could see a major boost, possibly rising to 87–88 OVR.

Kevin De Bruyne – Likely to remain among the best midfielders with an 91 OVR, thanks to his elite passing and vision.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Expectations are mixed; while still effective in front of goal, many predict a drop to around 85–86 OVR.

These predicted ratings not only reflect recent performances but also spark debates over fairness. Should Haaland be rated higher than Mbappé? Does Messi still deserve to be among the top 5 players in the game? The community is split, and that tension is part of what makes this preseason speculation so engaging.

Ultimate Team Preparation: Why Predictions Matter

Even though predictions are unofficial, many dedicated FUT players rely on them to plan ahead. By reviewing potential upgrades or downgrades, you can start building a strategy for launch day:

Budgeting Coins Early – If a card like Mbappé or Haaland is expected to dominate the meta, players will prepare by saving enough FC 26 Coins to acquire them early.

Pack Saving – Some players hoard unopened packs from preseason promos in hopes of pulling top-rated stars as soon as EA FC 26 goes live.

Training & Chemistry Planning – Predictions also help in imagining possible squad chemistry links. For example, if Bellingham's card rises, players may prioritize Real Madrid or English Premier League squads.

Investment Opportunities – Market-savvy traders use predicted ratings to guess which cards will increase in demand and value, setting up for profit when the game launches.

Essentially, early preparation can give you a significant advantage when Ultimate Team begins -whether that's through stronger squads or smarter coin management.

Community Speculation and Debates

One of the most entertaining aspects of rating predictions is the sheer volume of debates it sparks online. Social media platforms, fan forums, and YouTube channels are full of heated discussions like:

Should Bellingham surpass De Bruyne in ratings?

Is Haaland officially better than Mbappé in-game?

Does Messi still deserve elite dribbling stats?

Which Premier League players will get the biggest upgrades?

These debates are not only fun but also build hype leading up to release day. EA themselves often lean into this by teasing top-rated players or creating reveal events that fuel even more speculation.

What We Know for Certain

While predictions vary, a few things are certain:

EA FC 26 releases worldwide on September 26.

Actual player ratings will be officially confirmed closer to launch.

The Ultimate Team economy will revolve around early access and pack openings.

Fans will continue to speculate, debate, and craft wish lists until the real stats arrive.

Whether you agree with the community predictions or not, there's no denying that EA FC 26 is shaping up to deliver another season of intense gameplay, strategic squad building, and heated discussions.

Final Thoughts

Predicted ratings may not be official, but they're a vital part of the EA FC cycle. They drive conversation, help players prepare strategies, and keep the community buzzing in the weeks leading up to launch.

If you're serious about Ultimate Team success in EA FC 26, it's wise to pay attention to predictions, prepare your coin reserves, and start planning potential squads. When the actual ratings drop, you'll be ready to adapt quickly and secure the best cards for your playstyle.

Until then, speculation will continue -and that's part of the fun. After all, in the world of EA FC, the debate over player ratings is just as competitive as the matches themselves.