FC 26: Which Base Icon Should You Choose in the Matchday Pick SBC?

EA Sports has released a new Base Icon Matchday Pick SBC in FC 26 Ultimate Team, giving players a shot at one of three classic football legends. Like the recent Base Hero Matchday Pick, this SBC offers mid-tier Icons — not the absolute best, but still useful additions to early and mid-game squads.

Your options this time:
- 🇬🇧 Paul Scholes (CM)
- 🇲🇽 Luis Hernández (ST)
- 🇫🇷 Robert Pires (LM/RM/CAM)

Let’s dive into the cost, stats, and ideal playstyles for each to see who’s worth your coins.

💰 SBC Cost and Rewards

To complete the Base Icon Matchday Pick, you’ll need to submit three squads:

• 83-rated squad + 1 TOTW

• 84-rated squad

• 86-rated squad

💸 Estimated Cost: Around 100K–110K FC Coins, depending on market fluctuations.

🎁 Pack Returns: Roughly 5K–10K in potential value from the reward packs.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on coins, you can save time and market hassle by building squads efficiently through trading or safe, in-game coin methods.

🧠 Paul Scholes (CM)

Market Value: ~120K–130K

Skill Moves / Weak Foot: ★★★ / ★★★★

Playstyles: Playmaker+, Long Ball Pass, Tiki Taka, Technical

Pros

• Elite-level short and long passing

• Excellent control in tight areas

• Great for slow, possession-based systems

Cons

• Lacks pace for transitional play

• Physically underwhelming in duels

• Struggles to cover ground in fast meta formations

Best Use

Scholes shines when used as a deep-lying playmaker in structured buildup play. However, the current FC 26 meta prioritizes pace and defensive agility — areas where Scholes falls short.

⚡ Luis Hernández (ST)

Market Value: ~130K–140K

Work Rates: High/Medium

Skill Moves / Weak Foot: ★★★★ / ★★★

Playstyles: First Touch+, Rapid, Low Driven, Game Changer, Chip Shot

Pros

• Quick acceleration and tight dribbling

• Sharp, reliable finishing in the box

• Excellent for counter-attacking systems

Cons

• Poor link-up play

• Lacks strength and stamina

• Limited passing ability

Best Use

Hernández is built for fast breaks and direct attacks. He’s lethal when fed through balls behind the defense but less effective in setups that rely on hold-up or build-up play.

🎯 Robert Pires (LM/RM/CAM)

Market Value: ~150K–160K

Skill Moves / Weak Foot: ★★★★ / ★★★★

Playstyles: Finesse Shot+, Incisive Pass, Inventive, Technical, Quick Step

Pros

• Finesse Shot+ makes him a top-tier long-range threat

• Can play multiple attacking roles (LM, RM, or CAM)

• Excellent chemistry links via French nationality

• 4★/4★ makes him versatile and comfortable on both feet

Cons

• Lacks top-tier agility and balance

• Feels slightly heavy on turns without an Engine chem style

• Less effective in high-tempo counter systems

Best Use

Pires fits possession-heavy or technical setups, where you can use his finesse shooting and passing to dictate attacks. His flexibility across multiple positions adds strong squad value.

🏆 Final Rankings and Recommendations

After testing all three Icons, here’s the optimal ranking for the Base Icon Matchday Pick SBC:

1. 🥇 Robert Pires – Most flexible option with great chemistry, shooting, and versatility. 2. 🥈 Luis Hernández – Perfect for pace-based squads and clinical finishing. 3. 🥉 Paul Scholes – Excellent passer, but the meta isn’t in his favor.

If you’re low on coins or saving for future releases, it’s reasonable to skip this SBC. These Icons are fun to use but not essential or game-breaking.

💭 Final Thoughts

The Base Icon Matchday Pick SBC is a solid opportunity to add an early-game legend to your club — but only if you’re building around their specific strengths.

Pires brings finesse, Hernández brings speed, and Scholes brings control. Choose wisely based on your preferred playstyle and formation.

Explore more FC 26 Ultimate Team news and guides on the 1v1Me blog