EA FC 26 Ultimate Team is giving every player a free Classic XI Hero, and this is one of the easiest rewards to claim all year. You do not need to grind objectives, complete SBCs, or spend coins. If you log in during the active window, you get one Hero for free, and that card will receive a confirmed upgrade later during Team of the Year.
This guide explains exactly how to unlock the free Classic XI Hero, how long the pack is available, which players you can pack, and how the upgrade works.
How to Unlock a Free Classic XI Hero in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team
How to Claim the Free Classic XI Hero Pack
All that is necessary to unlock the free Classic XI Hero is to simply log into Ultimate Team in EA FC 26. Once you log in to Ultimate Team, the pack is automatically granted to your account by the game. This reward has no objectives, milestones, or challenges tied to it.
Once you log in, navigate to the Store tab within Ultimate Team and then open the “My Packs” or unassigned packs section. The Classic XI Hero Pack will be there waiting for you to open it. You can either open it now or keep it for later, but the Hero who you get will be also eligible for the future upgrade.
Classic XI Hero Pack Availability Deadline
The Classic XI Hero Pack is a limited-time offer. You must log in to Ultimate Team by January 12 at 9:59 AM PT to receive it. The pack will no longer be added to your account if you miss this time.
During this period, only one login session is required. The pack will still be in your account even if you do not open it right away after being granted.
All Players Included in the Classic XI Hero Pack
The package consists of one random player from a predetermined set of eleven Classic XI Heroes. Each card is rated 88 and cannot be traded, thus it is not possible to sell it on the transfer market.
The possible players you can pack are Vincent Kompany, Blaise Matuidi, Zé Roberto, Claudio Marchisio, Guti, Diego Forlán, Gianluca Vialli, Jean-Pierre Papin, Mario Gomez, Harry Kewell, and Tim Howard.
You will receive only one of these players, and there is no way to influence which Hero you get. Some may fit the meta better than others, but all of them are designed to be useful squad pieces.
Classic XI Hero Upgrade Explained
EA has confirmed that every Classic XI Hero will receive a one-time automatic upgrade during Team of the Year. When TOTY begins, these cards will turn into Team of the Year Honourable Mention Heroes.
You do not need to complete any SBCs or objectives for the upgrade. As long as the Hero is in your club, the upgrade will apply automatically. EA has not shared exact stat changes yet, but the cards are expected to receive boosted attributes and improved PlayStyles.
This upgrade is permanent, meaning your Hero stays upgraded after the event.
How to Use Your Classic XI Hero in Ultimate Team
Once you open the pack, make sure to place the Hero into your squad and build around their league links. Heroes offer strong chemistry benefits, which makes it easier to create hybrid teams.
Defensive players like Kompany work best as the backbone of your backline, while midfielders such as Matuidi, Marchisio, or Guti are ideal for controlling the game. Attackers like Forlán, Papin, or Vialli can be used as main strikers, especially once their upgrades arrive.
Testing different formations and chemistry styles will help you get the most value from your free Hero.
