When a new EA FC game drops, the first two weeks are crucial. FC 26 Coins are scarce, the transfer market is chaotic, and every decision you make about your starter squad can set the tone for your season. Picking the wrong players can leave you struggling in Division Rivals, but identifying early hidden gems-the players who perform far better than their price tag-can give you an instant edge.

FC 26 Starter Teams: The Best Hidden Gems for Every Position

In FC 26, pace and defensive awareness remain the cornerstones of building a competitive squad. Forget the misinformation about "acceleration types" and the so-called lengthy meta. Sprint speed has always been the defining stat for players running in behind or chasing down attackers. With that in mind, let's break down the best cheap FC 26 players for every position that you should target on day one.

Center Backs: Sprint Speed Meets Strength

Defenders are usually the most expensive part of any starter squad because players know how valuable they are in early matchmaking. Luckily, FC 26 has a handful of budget beasts that will cost you less than 10K while still locking down your defense.

Saúl Coco (La Liga, 76 rated)

One of the biggest surprises this year. With 89 sprint speed, 81 strength, and 77 aggression, Coco is built for chasing down attackers. Add 88 jumping and you've got a defender who can also compete in the air. His 75 stamina isn't elite, but it won't matter since he rarely pushes forward. Apply a Shadow chemistry style and Coco instantly becomes one of the best under-2K center backs in the game.

Moïse Bombito (Ligue 1, 76 rated)

This card is going to be everywhere in the first week. With 93 sprint speed and 79 standing tackle, Bombito is exactly what you need in a budget Ligue 1 squad. For around 1K coins, he's as close to a cheat code as you'll get early on.

Maxence Lacroix (Premier League, 79 rated)

A familiar name in the community, Lacroix has been a meta favorite for years, and FC 26 is no different. With 93 sprint speed, 80 defensive awareness, and solid physicality, he's an auto-include in most Premier League starter squads. Expect him to hover around 5–8K in the first few days.

Edmond Tapsoba (Bundesliga, 82 rated)

More of a mid-tier option, Tapsoba blends 86 sprint speed with elite 87 defensive awareness. With an Anchor, he can last you until November or even later if you manage your squad well.

Ousmane Koussounou (Premier League, 77 rated)

A sleeper pick. With 90 sprint speed and decent defensive stats, he offers a cheap way into Premier League squads. He won't last as long as Lacroix, but for pure pace early on buy EA FC Coins, he's a bargain.

The rule here is simple: pace plus defensive awareness equals meta. Players like Agadou (with 90 strength and 89 jumping) are also worth testing if you prefer a more physical playstyle.