Building your starter squad in EA FC 26 is always a mix of excitement and strategy. Everyone wants to dominate right out of the gate, but coins are limited, chemistry matters, and prices fluctuate wildly in  FC 26 Coins the first few weeks. The key is finding those hidden gems-cards that combine affordability with meta-defining playstyles.

In this guide, we'll go position by position-keepers, defenders, midfielders, wingers, and strikers-and highlight the top five budget and premium picks for your FC 26 starter team. Whether you're grinding Division Rivals or prepping for FUT Champs, these are the players who will give you the best bang for your buck.

Goalkeepers: Safe Hands to Start Strong

At the beginning of the cycle, goalkeeper stats can feel hit or miss. What really matters are height, playstyles, and chemistry links. Here are five options to anchor your defense:

1.Lucas Chevrier (PSG)-Only 83-rated but with Footwork and 1v1 Close Down playstyles. His Ligue 1 chemistry and height make him a cheap but elite option.

2.Marco Keshi (Serie A)-Boasts Goalkeeper Plus+ and 1v1 Close Down. Rarely do starter keepers get Plus+ roles, making him a gem for the price.

3.David (Serie A)-6'4, with Footwork and Long Throw, plus a unique body type that helps animations. A sneaky powerhouse.

4.Unai Simón (La Liga)-Reliable Spanish links, Pinged Passes for counterattacks, and tall enough at 6'3. Affordable and effective.

5.Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona)-Still 86-rated but no Plus+ styles, which means his price should be surprisingly low compared to other premium keepers.

Verdict: For chemistry and value, Chevrier and Keshi will likely dominate early starter squads.

Right-Backs: Overlaps, Speed, and Defense

Right-backs in FC 26 need more than pace. They must track back, link play, and sometimes even provide goals. These are the top five options:

1.Thierry Correia (Serie A)-Budget beast with Anticipate, Rapid, Quick Step, and Bruiser. Perfect for Evolutions.

2.Alexander Bah (Liga Portugal)-Year after year, one of the best starter RBs. Seven base playstyles including Whipped Pass and Bruiser.

3.Ole (Premier League)-Balanced across the board, with Quick Step and the rare Rory Delap Trait for long throws. Might be slightly inflated due to EPL tax.

4.João Cancelo (Saudi League)-Four-star, four-star, tons of Fut Coins versatility, and technically gifted. Great for attacking play.

5.Marcos Denter (Centurions nostalgia pick)-With Inverted Wing-Back Plus+, he brings both flair and meta utility.

Verdict: Bah is the safe budget pick, while Cancelo will be the flashy early meta option.