The Ultimate Team cycle is officially underway in FC 26, and EA Sports has already delivered the first Showdown SBC of the year. The matchup features Nicolas Pepe of Villarreal and Yuri Berchiche of Athletic Bilbao. These two dynamic cards are not just fun early-game options, they also offer the potential for upgrades depending on the result of their upcoming LaLiga clash.

 

With Ultimate Team always evolving, knowing whether to invest in Showdown SBCs is key. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the FC 26 Nicolas Pepe vs Yuri Berchiche Showdown SBCs, from requirements and solutions to pricing, reviews, and the smartest way to use your resources, including your stash of FIFA 26 Coins.

 

What Are Showdown SBCs

 

For newcomers or returning fans, Showdown SBCs are unique Squad Building Challenges where two players are chosen to represent their respective teams ahead of a real-world fixture. Once the match is played, the card from the winning side earns a +1 overall boost, while a draw typically means both cards receive a smaller upgrade.

 

In this case:

 

If Villarreal beats Athletic Bilbao, Nicolas Pepe receives the boost.

 

If Bilbao wins, Yuri Berchiche is the one who benefits.

 

This mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as players must decide whether the SBC is worth completing based on both player attributes and the likelihood of their team winning.

 

SBC Requirements and Cheapest Solutions

 

Like other Ultimate Team challenges, the Nicolas Pepe and Yuri Berchiche Showdown SBCs require specific squad ratings and conditions. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need for each card:

 

Nicolas Pepe (Villarreal)

 

Task 1: 82-Rated Squad

Team Rating: Minimum 82

Example players: Gavi (83), Gundogan (83), Kulusevski (83), Naeher (82)

 

Task 2: LaLiga Segment

At least 1 LaLiga player

Team Rating: Minimum 81

Example players: Rafa (82), Isi (81), Forsberg (79), Burgess (78)

 

Task 3: Spain Segment

At least 1 Spanish player

Team Rating: Minimum 80

Example players: Nacho Fernandez (82), Morroni (81), Benrahma (77), Bamba (77)

 

Yuri Berchiche (Athletic Bilbao)

 

Task 1: Spain Segment

At least 1 Spanish player

Team Rating: Minimum 80

Example players: Gundogan (83), Nacho Fernandez (82), Kumagai (82), Riley (77)

 

Task 2: LaLiga Segment

At least 1 LaLiga player

Team Rating: Minimum 81

Example players: Chris Wood (82), Galton (82), Akturkoglu (80), Bachmann (79)

 

SBC Costs

 

Nicolas Pepe: Around 16,000 coins

 

Yuri Berchiche: Around 10,000 coins

 

Considering early-market prices, both are affordable. Many FC 26 Players who saved packs or purchased the Ultimate Edition should find it easy to complete either SBC without straining their club.

 

Card Analysis

 

Nicolas Pepe

 

Pepe has always been known for his explosive pace and flair on the ball, and his Showdown card delivers exactly that. For players looking to dominate with speed on the wings early in the cycle, Pepe is an outstanding option. Villarreal's decent form in LaLiga also makes him more likely to secure the +1 upgrade, raising his long-term viability.

 

Pros:

 

Excellent pace and dribbling

Affordable cost

Higher chance of receiving the upgrade

 

Cons:

 

Not as versatile defensively

Limited chemistry links outside LaLiga

 

Yuri Berchiche

 

Yuri Berchiche, meanwhile, offers strong defensive stability. His card won't set the world alight, but for Ultimate Team managers in need of a reliable left-back, especially one from LaLiga, he's an appealing choice. His lower price also makes him accessible to nearly everyone.

 

Pros:

 

Reliable defending and physical stats

Easy to link in LaLiga teams

Cheaper than Pepe

 

Cons:

 

Limited attacking contribution

Athletic Bilbao are underdogs in this fixture

 

Which SBC Should You Choose

 

If you're on a budget and want solid squad depth, Berchiche is the sensible pick. But if you're looking for an exciting attacking option who might carry over into the mid-term of the Ultimate Team cycle, Nicolas Pepe is the standout choice. His pace and flair make him particularly effective against weaker defenses, and a +1 upgrade could push him into an even stronger tier.

 

Many FC 26 Players who focus on competitive play will gravitate toward Pepe for his match-winning qualities. Meanwhile, casual players or those just building their club may prefer Berchiche as a cost-effective filler.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The FC 26 Nicolas Pepe vs Yuri Berchiche Showdown SBCs mark a strong start to this year's Ultimate Team cycle. Both cards are affordable, fun, and dynamic, ensuring players get value for their investment. Nicolas Pepe is the more exciting option thanks to his attacking stats and Villarreal's good form, while Yuri Berchiche is a steady and cheap defensive choice.

 

Whether you're chasing speed on the wings or looking for defensive reinforcement, these SBCs offer something for everyone. Just remember to manage your resources carefully, especially your FIFA 26 Coins, as the Ultimate Team season has only just begun.

 

For dedicated FC 26 Players, these early SBCs are a perfect way to kick off your Ultimate Team journey.