FC 27 Ultimate Team Season 1: Ones to Watch, New Icons & Squad Building

[Cjacker]

With the launch of FC 27 Ultimate Team, there is already plenty of content for players to explore. As Season 1: Ones to Watch kicks off, the focus isn't merely on collecting high-rated players; it is about leveraging season rewards, special player items, and the Transfer Market to gradually build a squad that suits your playstyle.

Season 1: Ones to Watch centers on players expected to make a significant impact during the 2026/27 season. You can acquire select Ones to Watch player items via the Season Pass, while others can be obtained through Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) and Objectives.

A key feature of Ones to Watch items is that they are dynamic rather than static. If the corresponding player earns a qualifying Team of the Week, Player of the Month, or Star Performer item, their Ones to Watch item receives a +1 OVR boost.

Additionally, the Wins to Watch mechanic offers further upgrade potential. If a player's club secures three wins in their next six domestic league matches, that player receives another +1 OVR boost.

This makes the Transfer Market particularly interesting during the early stages of Season 1. When selecting players, you shouldn't look solely at current ratings; consider the likelihood of future upgrades as well.

In my view, the most important thing during the early phase of FC 27 Season 1 is to avoid basing your entire squad around a single player card. Season 1 marks the beginning of a new Ultimate Team era, and the Ones to Watch upgrade mechanics mean that a player's value could fluctuate based on real-world match results.

A sensible approach is to first complete the content available through the Season 1 Ladder, Objectives, and SBCs, and then assess what your squad is actually missing.

Furthermore, Tactical Trials introduces Objectives designed around specific formations; completing these allows you to earn Untradeable Packs. If existing rewards don't address a specific position gap, opting for targeted upgrades using FC 27 Coins is generally more prudent than constantly overhauling your entire squad.

It is also worth noting that FC 27 has introduced a new batch of Icon players, including Christine Sinclair, Ellen White, Formiga, Hege Riise, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Pepe, Raphael Varane, Sergio Aguero, Tobin Heath, and Yuki Nagasato. Additionally, Lucio, Yaya Touré, Maicon, and Papin have transitioned from Hero to Icon status.

For players who enjoy building squads around legendary players, this opens up more possibilities for team composition in FC 27. However, a high rating doesn't automatically guarantee a player fits your tactics; factors like midfield control, defensive pace, and forward combinations still need to be considered in the context of your specific formation.

Therefore, rather than simply chasing the highest ratings, it is better to define your tactical system first and then look for players who truly suit your squad.

Building a complete Ultimate Team requires more than just relying on free rewards. FC coins give you greater flexibility in the Transfer Market, allowing you to reinforce specific weak points in your lineup.

For instance, if your attack is already solid but your midfield lacks a player suited to your current formation, it is more efficient to focus your FIFA 27 coins on that specific position rather than overhauling the entire squad. This approach minimizes unnecessary spending while ensuring your upgrades are targeted and effective.

For those just starting out in FC 27, there is no need to blindly chase expensive players right away. By first building a foundational squad using Season 1 rewards and Objectives—and then using the Transfer Market and FUT 27 coins to make targeted improvements based on actual needs—you can more easily craft an Ultimate Team that aligns with your playstyle.