EA Sports has launched an exciting promotion in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team, offering every player a free Classic XI Hero Pack. These special 88-rated Heroes celebrate legendary players from past eras who defined their clubs and leagues. The best part? Whichever Hero you pack will receive a one-time upgrade to a Team of the Year Honourable Mention Hero at the start of the TOTY event, making it a massive value for your squad long-term.
This login reward is available right now, but you must act before the deadline. No objectives, SBCs, or purchases required - just log in!
What Are Classic XI Heroes?
Classic XI Heroes are a new batch of boosted Hero items, all starting at 88 overall. They come with enhanced stats, PlayStyles, and chemistry links tailored to their iconic careers. Here's the full list of 11 possible Heroes you could pack:
| Player | Position | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Vincent Kompany | CB | Defensive rock, aerial duels |
| Blaise Matuidi | CDM/CM | Box-to-box energy, tackling |
| Zé Roberto | CM | Versatility, stamina |
| Guti | CAM/CM | Vision, passing |
| Claudio Marchisio | CM | Work rate, technique |
| Tim Howard | GK | Shot-stopping, distribution |
| Diego Forlán | ST | Finishing, long shots |
| Harry Kewell | LW | Dribbling, crossing |
| Mario Gómez | ST | Heading, hold-up play |
| Jean-Pierre Papin | ST | Power, volleying |
| Gianluca Vialli | ST | Clinical finishing |
Pack odds vary, but community pulls show Matuidi and Kompany as highly sought-after meta picks, while strikers like Papin and Vialli offer great links.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim Your Free Pack
Claiming this is incredibly simple and takes under a minute:
- Launch EA FC 26 and select Ultimate Team from the main menu.
- Log in with your EA Account (must be linked and active).
- Navigate to the Store tab.
- Look for the Classic XI Hero Pack in the My Packs or unassigned packs section.
- Claim and open the pack to reveal your random Hero!
That's it! The pack is untradeable but guaranteed to upgrade, ensuring top value.
Important Deadline and Upgrade Details
- Deadline: Log in by January 12, 2026, at 9:59 AM PT (check your local time converter). Miss it, and the pack is gone forever.
- TOTY Upgrade: Starting Team of the Year (expected early-mid January), your Hero transforms into a TOTY Honourable Mention version with boosted stats, making it competitive in the meta.
Tips for Maximizing Value
- Squad Building: Plan around your Hero early. Kompany links Premier League CBs, Matuidi fits French/Italian mids.
- Multiple Accounts? Claim on all eligible accounts - one per EA Account.
- Web App: The pack appears after console/PC login, so start there if possible.
- Share Your Pull: Post who you got on X or Reddit - community tier lists rank Matuidi S-tier!
This is one of the best freebies of the season - don't miss out! Log in today and secure your future TOTY beast.