TL;DR
- Zubimendi SBC costs approximately 90,000 coins across five squad requirements
- Card features Intercept and Inventive PlayStyles but lacks pace and physical presence
- Better alternatives like Goretzka Flashback SBC offer superior value for similar cost
- Complete Spain and Premier League requirements first to optimize squad building
- Consider waiting for market fluctuations before committing resources
The inaugural major Squad Building Challenge for EA FC 26 Ultimate Team has arrived, featuring Arsenal’s midfield anchor Martin Zubimendi. This Flashback SBC celebrates both the game’s official launch and recognizes Zubimendi’s significance as a foundational acquisition for the North London club. For managers seeking comprehensive guidance, this breakdown covers completion strategies, pricing analysis, squad solutions, and detailed player evaluation to inform your decision-making process.

Image Credit: EA Sports
The Martin Zubimendi SBC connects directly to EA FC 26’s Cornerstones promotion campaign, with an estimated completion cost of 90,000 coins. Below you’ll find optimized squad-building approaches for each challenge requirement, designed to minimize resource expenditure while meeting all specifications.
All Challenges & Solutions
Spain Challenge

- Minimum 1 player from Spain
- Minimum Team Rating 83
Premier League Challenge

- Minimum 1 player from the Premier League
- Minimum Team Rating 84
84-Rated Squad

85-Rated Squad

86-Rated Squad

Pro Tip: Begin with the Spain and Premier League requirements since they dictate specific player nationalities and leagues. Use high-rated fodder from your club first before purchasing players from the transfer market to reduce coin expenditure significantly.
Priced at 90,000 coins, the Cornerstones Martin Zubimendi represents questionable value according to most expert assessments. Requiring 85 and 86-rated squads during EA FC 26’s initial release week seems particularly demanding, especially for a player card designed for specialized midfield duties rather than all-around dominance. The card does include valuable PlayStyles including Intercept and Inventive capabilities, but suffers from noticeable speed deficiencies and insufficient physical attributes to control midfield battles independently.
Rather than investing heavily in this specific item, your resources would be better allocated toward the anticipated Flashback Leon Goretzka SBC expected to release shortly. Goretzka typically offers superior physical presence, better work rates, and more versatile positioning options that adapt to various tactical systems.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Many players rush to complete new SBCs immediately upon release, often overpaying for required players during peak demand periods. Waiting 24-48 hours typically results in 15-20% cost savings as market prices stabilize following initial hype.
SBC stands for ‘Squad Building Challenges’ within EA FC 26’s Ultimate Team ecosystem. These represent puzzle-style activities where managers exchange duplicate and reserve squad members to acquire player selections, pack rewards, and exclusive player items. Based on reward quality, individual SBCs may demand between 1 and 30 total squad submissions. Fresh Squad Building Challenges debut weekly, with special player-focused SBCs typically launching alongside promotional campaigns.
Advanced Optimization: Experienced players maximize SBC value by completing related Class Guide objectives simultaneously, creating resource synergies across multiple in-game systems. Understanding Complete Guide principles helps managers avoid wasting valuable assets on underwhelming rewards.
Strategic Insight: Before committing to any high-cost SBC, evaluate how the player fits your tactical approach. Zubimendi excels in possession-based systems but struggles in counter-attacking formations requiring mobile midfielders. Consult our Weapons Unlock guide for complementary player recommendations that might better suit your preferred playing style.
Action Checklist
- Evaluate your club for high-rated Spanish and Premier League players before market purchases
- Complete Spain challenge first using 83-rated squad with one Spanish player
- Build Premier League requirement with 84-rated squad including one EPL player
- Assemble 84, 85, and 86-rated squads using highest-rated fodder from your club
- Compare Zubimendi’s stats against Goretzka leaks before final commitment
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » EA FC 26 Martin Zubimendi Cornerstones SBC: Player Cost, Solutions, and More Complete EA FC 26 Zubimendi SBC guide with cost analysis, squad solutions, and value assessment
