FC 26 Joe Gomez Winter Wildcards SBC Overview

EA Sports has introduced another high-profile Squad Building Challenge with the release of the FC 26 Joe Gomez Winter Wildcards SBC in Ultimate Team. This SBC gives the English defender his first special card of the year, instantly drawing attention from long-time fans of the franchise. Joe Gomez has historically been one of the most popular defenders in Ultimate Team, especially during earlier titles such as FIFA 20 and FIFA 21, where his pace and physical presence made him a dominant force in competitive modes.

 

With this Winter Wildcards release, EA Sports has brought Gomez back into relevance for the current FC 26 meta. His new item comes with notable stat boosts and a versatile positional profile, allowing him to slot into multiple roles across the defensive line. For many FC 26 Players, this SBC represents a nostalgic return of a familiar meta defender, particularly for those running Premier League-based squads.

 

Versatility and PlayStyle Boosts

 

One of Joe Gomez's biggest strengths in Ultimate Team has always been his versatility, and this Winter Wildcards version continues that trend. He can comfortably operate as a center-back or right-back, with both positions benefiting from his upgraded pace, defensive awareness, and physical attributes. This flexibility is particularly useful for players who like to switch formations in-game or adjust their tactics depending on the opponent.

 

In addition to his improved base stats, Gomez has received several meta-relevant PlayStyles that enhance his overall performance. These PlayStyles make him more effective in key defensive scenarios such as jockeying, tracking runs, and recovering after being beaten for pace. For Premier League squads, these traits make Gomez a reliable option who can handle high-pressure situations against fast attackers.

 

However, while the card itself is undeniably strong, its true value ultimately depends on the cost of completing the SBC. With multiple high-rated squads required, players need to carefully consider whether investing a large amount of FC 26 Coins into this challenge is the best use of their resources.

 

SBC Requirements and Cheapest Solutions

 

Similar to other high-profile SBCs released recently, including the Paulo Dybala SBC, the FC 26 Joe Gomez Winter Wildcards SBC consists of multiple segments. Each squad has relatively straightforward requirements, and surprisingly, none of them require Team of the Week players. While this helps reduce market pressure, the high overall rating demands still make the SBC expensive.

 

Below is a breakdown of the tasks and some of the most cost-effective solutions.

 

Task 1: England

 

Minimum one English player

 

Minimum team overall rating: 86

 

Suggested Solution:

 

Marie Katoto (88)

 

Irene Paredes (88)

 

Ada Hegerberg (87)

 

Millie Bright (87)

 

Rubén Neves (84)

 

Frida Maanum (84)

 

Isco (84)

 

Sergej Milinković-Savić (84)

 

Manuel Locatelli (84)

 

Pedro Gonçalves (83)

 

Giménez (83)

 

Task 2: Premier League

 

Minimum one Premier League player

 

Minimum team overall rating: 86

 

Suggested Solution:

 

Marie Katoto (88)

 

Irene Paredes (88)

 

Ada Hegerberg (87)

 

Millie Bright (87)

 

Rubén Neves (84)

 

Frida Maanum (84)

 

Isco (84)

 

Sergej Milinković-Savić (84)

 

Manuel Locatelli (84)

 

Pedro Gonçalves (83)

 

Matheus Cunha (83)

 

Tasks 3 and 4: 87-Rated Squads

 

Minimum team overall rating: 87

 

Suggested Solution:

 

Christiane Endler (88)

 

Irene Paredes (88)

 

Robert Lewandowski (88)

 

Marie Katoto (88)

 

Gabriel (88)

 

Ella Toone (85)

 

Manuela Giugliano (85)

 

Cristiana Girelli (85)

 

Sergej Milinković-Savić (84)

 

Frida Maanum (84)

 

Rubén Neves (84)

 

Despite the absence of Team of the Week requirements, the need to submit four high-rated squads significantly increases the total cost.

 

FC 26 Joe Gomez Winter Wildcards SBC Review

 

The estimated total cost of completing the SBC is around 190,000 FC 26 Coins, which is a substantial investment. While the card itself is undeniably strong, offering good pace, solid defending, and excellent physicality, the price is difficult to justify when compared to alternatives available on the transfer market.

 

Several defenders, such as Winter Wildcards Jonathan Tah, offer superior or comparable performance for a much lower price. These alternatives allow FC 26 Players to strengthen their defense without locking large amounts of untradeable fodder into an SBC.

 

Final Verdict

 

Although the FC 26 Joe Gomez Winter Wildcards SBC delivers a powerful and versatile defender, the cost of completion makes it hard to recommend. For players with excess fodder or a strong emotional attachment to Joe Gomez, the SBC may still hold some appeal. However, for those managing their FC 26 Coins carefully, better value options exist elsewhere.

 

In conclusion, while Joe Gomez's Winter Wildcards card is impressive on the pitch, its high price ultimately overshadows its strengths, making this SBC one that most players can safely skip.