The Top Cards in Cornerstones Team 1

1. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, CM – 89 OVR)

Key Stats:

Pace: 89

Passing: 87

Dribbling: 86

Physical: 84

Defending: 80

Valverde is the crown jewel of Cornerstones Team 1, and it's easy to see why. Already a fan-favorite in Ultimate Team, Valverde combines blistering pace with elite box-to-box versatility. He can anchor your midfield defensively while also surging forward to contribute in FC 26 Coins attack.

Best Position: CM in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.

Chemistry Links: Uruguay players are rare, but his Real Madrid link makes him one of the easiest cards to slot into hybrid La Liga teams.

Gameplay Tip: Use him with the Shadow chemistry style to boost his defending and pace, turning him into a perfect two-way midfielder.

2. Cole Palmer (Chelsea, RW/CAM – 88 OVR)

Key Stats:

Dribbling: 90

Passing: 87

Pace: 85

Shooting: 86

Palmer's rise at Chelsea has been meteoric, and his Cornerstones card captures his creative spark. While he isn't the fastest winger, his dribbling and passing make him deadly in tight spaces and essential in build-up play.

Best Position: CAM in a 4-2-3-1, or RW in a possession-heavy system.

Chemistry Links: Strong links to Chelsea and Premier League squads make him very versatile.

Gameplay Tip: Use the Hunter chemistry style if you play him on the wing to boost pace and shooting, or Engine if you prefer him as a playmaking CAM.

3. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, CM/CAM – 88 OVR)

Key Stats:

Passing: 91

Shooting: 87

Dribbling: 87

Stamina: 95

Fernandes is all about control. His passing and stamina make him an engine in midfield, capable of pulling the strings for 90 minutes without losing intensity. He's also one of the best penalty-takers in the game.

Best Position: CAM or CM depending on formation.

Chemistry Links: Manchester United links help hybrid Premier League builds.

Gameplay Tip: Apply Maestro chemistry style to maximize his playmaking while keeping his long shots dangerous.

4. Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City, CM – 87 OVR)

(Note: Fictional team assignment—Reijnders currently plays for AC Milan, but his Cornerstones inclusion in FC 26 is tied to Manchester City in-game.)

Key Stats:

Pace: 83

Passing: 86

Defending: 82

Physical: 84

Reijnders is an underrated pick in this promo. He offers excellent balance between defense and attack, playing similarly to Valverde but at a slightly cheaper price point.

Best Position: CDM in a double pivot, or CM in box-to-box roles.

Gameplay Tip: With Anchor chemistry style, he becomes a robust defensive midfielder capable of holding the midfield against top-tier attackers.

5. Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao, RW – 87 OVR)

Key Stats:

Pace: 94

Dribbling: 89

Shooting: 83

Passing: 80

Williams is pure pace. If you want a winger who can stretch defenses and burn fullbacks, he's your guy. He may not have the technical passing of Palmer, but his speed makes him a nightmare in EA FC Coins counter-attacking systems.