EA FC 26 First Promo: All Cornerstones Players and Upgrades

TL;DR

  • Cornerstones introduces +2 Club Chemistry links for easier squad building
  • Permanent player upgrades provide lasting value throughout the season
  • Strategic early acquisition can significantly boost your Ultimate Team progression
  • Team 1 features meta-relevant players like Bruno Fernandes and Nico Williams
  • This promo replaces RTTK as the first major content release of EA FC 26

The EA FC 26 Cornerstones promotion has officially launched, bringing fresh content to Ultimate Team enthusiasts. This innovative event spotlights athletes who serve as foundational elements for their respective clubs’ achievements. Notable examples include Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, and Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde – each representing the core identity of their teams.

Cole Palmer in FC 26
Image Credit: EA Sports

Cornerstones marks the inaugural promotional campaign in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team. For those new to the format, promotions represent scheduled content updates occurring weekly or bi-weekly that introduce special player cards, Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), and Objective-based rewards. These events constitute what dedicated players call ‘Friday content,’ creating compelling reasons to engage with the game and pursue exclusive items. With that context established, let’s explore the complete details of the EA FC 26 Cornerstones promotion, covering all player additions featured in this content cycle.

The EA FC 26 Cornerstones initiative emphasizes competitors who have evolved into indispensable assets for their organizations. It also showcases significant long-term acquisitions and emerging talents who’ve elevated their performance to become crucial components of their clubs’ tactical systems. This characterization perfectly describes athletes like Cole Palmer at Chelsea and Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United. Historically, Round to the Knockouts (RTTK) served as the opening event on previous EA FC promotional schedules, but developers have clearly implemented strategic changes for this competitive season.

Cornerstones participants receive permanent statistical improvements (Enhanced Ratings in EA FC 26) alongside superior +2 Club chemistry connections. The chemistry enhancement proves particularly valuable during initial team construction phases, since achieving maximum chemistry with standard player cards often presents considerable challenges for managers.

Here’s the complete roster for EA FC 26 Cornerstones Team 1, with strategic insights for each inclusion:

  • Nico Williams (Athletic Club) – Exceptional pace and dribbling make him ideal for wide formations
  • Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – Creative playmaker with enhanced shooting and passing attributes
  • Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City) – Dynamic midfielder offering both defensive coverage and offensive support

When building your Ultimate Team around Cornerstones cards, consider these strategic approaches: First, prioritize players from leagues where you already have multiple assets to maximize chemistry benefits. Second, focus on acquiring Cornerstones early in the promo cycle when pack weights are typically more favorable. Third, utilize these enhanced chemistry links to incorporate otherwise difficult-to-link special cards from various leagues into cohesive squads.

A common mistake players make is overinvesting in Cornerstones cards at inflated early prices. These cards typically decrease in value as the promo progresses and supply increases. Instead, target strategic purchases during content refresh periods or when new Team 2 players are released, causing temporary price dips in Team 1 selections.

For experienced Ultimate Team managers, the Cornerstones promotion offers unique optimization opportunities. The +2 Club Chemistry feature enables hybrid squad constructions that were previously impractical with standard chemistry systems. This allows for creative team building that combines players from multiple leagues while maintaining high chemistry levels.

Advanced chemistry optimization involves pairing Cornerstones cards with strategic league links. For example, combining a Premier League Cornerstone with players from the same nation but different leagues can create powerful hybrid formations. Understanding these connection patterns can significantly enhance your squad’s overall performance.

The permanent upgrades on Cornerstones cards provide lasting value that extends beyond the current promo cycle. Unlike temporary boost cards, these improvements remain active throughout the entire season, making them valuable long-term investments for your club.

When approaching SBCs and Objectives related to the Cornerstones promo, allocate approximately 2-3 hours for completion if you’re an average player. Advanced managers can typically finish within 60-90 minutes with proper preparation and squad management techniques.

Action Checklist

  • Review Team 1 player stats and identify which fit your current formation needs
  • Complete daily Cornerstones Objectives to earn free packs and player picks
  • Build hybrid squads using +2 chemistry links to connect players from different leagues
  • Monitor market prices and target strategic purchases during content refresh periods
  • Complete Cornerstones SBCs for guaranteed special cards with enhanced chemistry

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