How to upgrade Debut ICON to Champion ICON in EA FC 26
EA SPORTS FC 26 introduces a brand-new feature for Ultimate Team fans: Debut Icons that automatically upgrade to Champion Icons later in the season. This mechanic adds a sense of progression to the game’s most legendary players while rewarding those who get them early.
What Are Debut and Champion Icons?
Debut Icons are special early-game versions of new legends being introduced to the ICON roster for the first time. They have slightly lower ratings than their Champion counterparts, making them balanced for the opening weeks of the Ultimate Team cycle.
Champion Icons are the upgraded versions of those same players, released later in the year with boosted stats to reflect their peak performance. If you own a Debut Icon, it will automatically upgrade to the Champion rating when the changeover happens—no additional packs, SBCs, or objectives required.
Example Debut-to-Champion Upgrades
EAHere are three of the new Icons in EA FC 26 and how they’ll progress:
- Zlatan Ibrahimović
- Debut OVR: 86
- Champion OVR: 92
- Andrés Iniesta
- Debut OVR: 86
- Champion OVR: 92
- Alex Morgan
- Debut OVR: 86
- Champion OVR: 91
When Does the Upgrade Happen?
For EA FC 26, Debut Icons will automatically switch to their Champion versions in November 2025. This means that if you secure a Debut Icon during Early Access or the launch period, you can use them for months and then enjoy a free stat boost later—essentially getting two elite cards for the price of one.
How to Get a Debut Icon
The most straightforward way to get a Debut Icon was to pre-order the FC 26 Ultimate Edition by August 26, 2025. Doing so guarantees you an untradeable Debut Icon from Early Access, which will then upgrade in November. Debut Icons can also appear in packs, SBCs, and the transfer market during the early season.
Here’s a list of all the ICONs available in Debut and Champion versions.