EA FC 26 Team of the Week 3 Predictions 2026: TOTW Players

The third Team of the Week in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team arrives on Wednesday, October 1, 2026, and I’ve analyzed every single performance from the weekend’s matches to bring you the most comprehensive TOTW 3 predictions guide. While this week’s squad may not match the star power of previous editions, savvy traders and squad builders will find hidden gems that could transform their Ultimate Team experience.

Quick TOTW 3 Overview (2026)

Key Information	Details
Release Date	October 1, 2026 at 6 PM UK
Availability	Until October 8, 2026 at 6 PM UK
Headliner	Julian Alvarez (87→88 OVR)
Top Meta Card	Joelinton (82→84 OVR)
Total Players	23 (Starting XI + Subs + Reserves)
Price Range	15,000 – 800,000 coins (predicted)
Best Investment	Marc Guehi (82→84 OVR)

EA FC 26 TOTW 3 Predictions: Starting XI

Let me break down the expected starting eleven for TOTW 3, including detailed performance analysis and why each player deserves their spot in this week’s squad.

Goalkeepers

Dominik Greif (Lyon) – 78→82 OVR

The Lyon goalkeeper stands out as this week’s shot-stopper selection despite making only three saves in Lille’s 0-1 defeat. What secured his inclusion was the impressive 8/10 rating from L’Équipe and his Man of the Match performance. Ligue 1 lacked standout performers this week, making Greif’s clean sheet and composed display particularly valuable. For building budget squads in EA FC 26, his upgraded card could offer exceptional value at discard price.

Defenders

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) – 82→84 OVR

Having been denied his dream Liverpool transfer, Guehi responded like a true professional with a masterclass performance against the reigning champions. The English defender’s 9/10 Sky Sports rating tells only part of the story – his 97th-minute assist for the winning goal showcased composure and quality under extreme pressure. Palace’s shock 2-1 victory over Liverpool makes Guehi’s inclusion almost guaranteed, and his Premier League links will make this card highly sought after in the transfer market.

Ronald Araujo (Barcelona) – 83→85 OVR

Barcelona’s defensive stalwart scored in their 3-1 Copa del Rey victory over Real Oviedo, earning an impressive 8.5 Sofascore rating. While TOTW 3 lacks the star power of previous weeks, EA Sports often includes recognizable names to maintain pack interest. Araujo’s combination of pace, strength, and Barcelona chemistry makes him a meta defender that players will actually want to pack. His upgraded 85 rating puts him among the elite center-backs available in 2026.

Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich) – 82→84 OVR

The versatile Austrian delivered a commanding performance in Bayern’s 4-0 demolition of Werder Bremen, scoring from left-back while maintaining a clean sheet. Harry Kane may have stolen the headlines with his brace, but with the Englishman already receiving a TOTW 1 card, Laimer becomes the obvious Bayern selection. His 1.5 Kicker rating topped Bayern’s defensive unit, and his ability to play multiple positions makes this card incredibly valuable for squad building.

Midfielders

Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich Women) – 85→86 OVR

Three assists in Bayern’s 4-0 midweek victory over Freiburg makes Stanway impossible to ignore. The English midfielder’s 8.6 Sofascore rating reflects her total dominance in the center of the park. As a CDM with exceptional attacking returns, she represents exactly the type of versatile player that excels in EA FC 26’s slower gameplay. Tuesday fixtures have consistently featured in recent TOTWs, making Stanway’s inclusion highly probable.

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – 86→87 OVR

The Argentine maestro continues his MLS dominance with two goals and an assist in Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over New York City FC. After being surprisingly snubbed in TOTW 2 despite similar statistics, Messi’s perfect 10/10 Sofascore rating makes his selection inevitable this week. Playing behind Luis Suarez in a deeper CAM role, Messi showcased the playmaking brilliance that has defined his career. His 87-rated card will command premium prices despite the lower league.

Joelinton (Newcastle United) – 82→84 OVR

Newcastle’s Brazilian powerhouse scored twice from central midfield in their 4-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bradford City. His 9.8 Sofascore rating topped all midfielders globally this week, making his inclusion certain despite the lower-tier opposition. Joelinton’s unique combination of physicality, pace, and technical ability makes him a meta monster in EA FC 26. This upgraded card could become this year’s equivalent of previous “hidden gem” TOTWs that dominated the competitive scene.

Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund) – 83→85 OVR

Two assists in Dortmund’s 2-0 victory over Mainz earned Brandt a 1.5 Kicker rating, matching the game’s best performers. Despite not receiving the official Man of the Match award (which went to Adeyemi for his goal), Brandt’s creative influence throughout the match makes him the more deserving candidate. His 85-rated CAM card offers excellent Bundesliga links and could become a staple in hybrid squads throughout October.

Wingers

Armand Lauriente (Sassuolo) – 80→83 OVR

Serie A’s standout winger delivered when his team needed him most, scoring once and assisting another in Sassuolo’s crucial 3-1 victory over Udinese. His 7.5 Gazzetta rating led all Serie A wingers this week, and with the Italian league lacking clear TOTW candidates, Lauriente’s selection seems assured. At 83 overall with likely 85+ pace, he could become a budget beast for Serie A squads.

Forwards

Igor Thiago (Brentford) – 75→84 OVR

Manchester United’s struggles under Erik ten Hag continued as Brentford’s Brazilian striker scored twice in their 3-1 victory. Thiago’s 9/10 Sky Sports rating and match-winning performance make him an obvious selection. The massive +9 upgrade from 75 to 84 overall represents one of the biggest jumps in TOTW 3, potentially making him excellent fodder for upcoming SBCs.

Julian Alvarez (Atlético Madrid) – 87→88 OVR

The headline act of TOTW 3, Alvarez’s hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano earned him a perfect 10/10 Sofascore rating. All three goals came in Atlético’s tense 3-2 victory, showcasing the Argentine’s clinical finishing under pressure. His 88-rated card will be the most expensive in TOTW 3, offering elite stats across the board. La Liga’s midweek fixtures provided multiple candidates, but Alvarez’s treble makes him impossible to overlook.

TOTW 3 Substitutes Predictions in 2026

The substitute bench offers surprising value this week, with several players delivering exceptional performances that would headline in quieter weeks.

Omar Alderete (Sunderland) – 78→82 OVR

Sunderland’s fairy tale start to the season continued with Alderete scoring the only goal in their 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. His 9/10 rating and match-winning contribution from center-back make him a strong candidate. Currently sitting fourth with eleven points from six matches, Sunderland’s overachievement makes their players attractive TOTW selections.

Janou Levels (Wolfsburg Women) – 76→81 OVR

The Dutch left-back contributed a goal and assist in Wolfsburg’s 4-2 victory over Werder Bremen. Her 9.2 Sofascore rating suggests EA might include two players from the Frauen Bundesliga this week, breaking their usual one-per-league pattern. The women’s game continues gaining prominence in Ultimate Team, making Levels a likely inclusion.

Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt) – 74→80 OVR

In perhaps the most chaotic match of the weekend, Frankfurt defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 6-4 after leading 6-0. Uzun’s goal and assist earned him Bundesliga Player of the Week honors despite the defensive collapse. Robin Koch scored twice from center-back but conceding four goals likely ruins his chances. Uzun’s 1.0 Kicker rating and official POTW award secure his spot.

Korbin Shrader (Lyon Women) – 82→84 OVR

Lyon’s dominance in Division 1 Féminine continued with a statement 6-1 victory over title rivals PSG. Shrader’s incredible performance from CDM – three goals and an assist – earned a perfect 10/10 rating. Her defensive midfield position combined with four attacking contributions makes this one of the most unique TOTW cards this year.

Rafa Silva (Beşiktaş) – 82→84 OVR

Wednesday’s Süper Lig action saw Rafa score a hat-trick from CAM in Beşiktaş’s 4-0 away victory over Kayserispor. His perfect 10/10 rating and three-goal haul from an attacking midfield position guarantee his selection. Turkish League players often fly under the radar but offer excellent value for creative squad builders.

Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy) – 76→81 OVR

The Ghanaian forward’s position change to striker paid immediate dividends with a hat-trick in LA Galaxy’s 4-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City. His 9.8 Sofascore rating and the MLS’s consistent TOTW representation make Paintsil a certainty. The pace boost on his upgraded card could make him a popular super-sub option.

Gift Monday (Washington Spirit) – 80→83 OVR

The NWSL’s quota system continues with Monday’s hat-trick in Washington’s 4-0 victory over Houston Dash. Her 9/10 rating and three-goal performance make her the obvious women’s league selection from North America. The Nigerian striker’s pace and shooting upgrades will appeal to NWSL squad builders.

TOTW 3 Reserves Predictions

The reserves section features several dark horses who could surprise with their inclusion:

Ali Majrashi (Al-Ahli) – 70→80 OVR

Saudi Pro League representation comes through Majrashi’s goal, assist, and clean sheet in Al-Ahli’s 2-0 victory. His 8.4 rating and comprehensive contribution from midfield make him a strong candidate for the reserves.

Diego Gómez (Brighton) – 73→80 OVR

Four goals in Brighton’s 6-0 Carabao Cup demolition of Barnsley represents one of the week’s most impressive individual performances. His perfect 10/10 rating would normally guarantee a starting spot, but lower-league opposition might relegate him to reserves.

Marco Essimi (Dunkerque) – 62→80 OVR

The massive +18 upgrade for Essimi’s hat-trick in Dunkerque’s 6-2 victory over Amiens would create one of TOTW 3’s biggest rating jumps. French lower leagues often receive representation in the reserves.

Tolcay Ciğerci (Energie Cottbus) – 69→80 OVR

Three assists in Cottbus’s 5-0 victory earned Ciğerci a 9/10 rating. German lower leagues consistently feature in TOTW reserves, making his inclusion probable.

Fábio Abreu (Beijing Guoan) – 74→80 OVR

The Chinese Super League’s representation hangs on Abreu’s hat-trick in Beijing’s 4-2 victory over Dalian. His perfect 10/10 rating makes him impossible to ignore, testing EA’s willingness to include CSL players after previous snubs.

Market Analysis & 2026 Investment Tips

TOTW 3’s overall quality appears weaker than its predecessors, creating unique market dynamics I’ve analyzed extensively:

Immediate Investment Opportunities

Budget Beasts (Under 30k coins)

• Igor Thiago offers exceptional value with his massive rating boost
• Armand Lauriente provides Serie A pace at discard price
• Gift Monday supplies NWSL chemistry for women’s squads

Mid-Tier Investments (30k-100k coins)

• Joelinton represents this week’s best value, combining meta stats with reasonable pricing
• Marc Guehi’s Premier League links ensure steady demand
• Georgia Stanway offers elite CDM play for Bundesliga hybrids

Premium Cards (100k+ coins)

• Julian Alvarez headlines as the week’s most expensive card
• Lionel Messi maintains value through name recognition alone
• Ronald Araujo provides Barcelona chemistry at elite level

Trading Strategy

My recommended approach for TOTW 3 trading:

1. Wednesday 6 PM UK: Buy immediately at release when supply peaks
2. Thursday-Friday: Hold as prices stabilize
3. Weekend League: Sell meta cards as demand increases
4. Monday: Re-invest profits into TOTW 3 discards for future SBCs

The weaker overall quality means investing in quantity over quality this week. Multiple 82-84 rated cards at discard price offer better long-term returns than chasing headliners.

Squad Building Opportunities

TOTW 3’s diverse selection enables creative squad building across multiple leagues and playstyles. I’ve identified several meta combinations worth exploring:

Premier League Hybrid

Combining Guehi’s defensive solidarity with Joelinton’s midfield dominance creates a powerful Premier League core. Add budget beasts from our cheap players guide to complete a competitive squad under 200k coins.

La Liga Creative Force

Alvarez and Messi in the same squad? TOTW 3 makes this dream partnership possible. Their Argentine connection provides perfect chemistry while offering elite attacking options.

Bundesliga Women’s Power

Stanway and Levels create a strong left side partnership, offering pace, physicality, and technical ability. The women’s card market remains undervalued, presenting investment opportunities.

Comparison with Previous TOTWs

TOTW 3’s reception among the community reflects its position as the weakest release so far:

TOTW 1 vs TOTW 3

• Star Power: Haaland (91) and Kane (90) dwarf Alvarez (88)
• Depth: TOTW 1’s bench included multiple 85+ players
• Market Impact: TOTW 1 cards maintain 3x higher average prices

TOTW 2 vs TOTW 3

• Meta Cards: Pulisic and Militão offered superior competitive options
• League Variety: TOTW 2 featured better top-five league representation
• Investment Value: TOTW 2’s higher ratings provide better SBC fodder

Despite these comparisons, TOTW 3’s lower prices create opportunities for budget-conscious players to acquire usable cards early in the EA FC 26 cycle.

How TOTW Works in EA FC 26?

For newcomers to Ultimate Team, understanding Team of the Week mechanics proves essential for maximizing value:

Selection Criteria

EA Sports selects players based on real-world performances from the previous week’s matches. Goals, assists, clean sheets, and match ratings all factor into selections. Cup competitions now receive equal consideration to league matches, expanding the player pool.

Release Schedule

• Every Wednesday: 6 PM UK time
• Duration: Available for exactly one week
• Pack Weight: Approximately 0.5% chance per rare gold player

Rating Upgrades

TOTW cards receive rating boosts based on base card overall:

• 75-79 OVR: +5 to +6 upgrade
• 80-84 OVR: +2 to +3 upgrade
• 85-89 OVR: +1 to +2 upgrade
• 90+ OVR: +1 upgrade

Uses Beyond Playing

TOTW cards serve multiple purposes:

• Squad Building Challenges requiring special cards
• Objectives demanding TOTW players
• Investment opportunities for future content
• Collection milestones for rewards

Community Predictions vs Reality

The EA FC community’s TOTW predictions often differ from official releases. This week’s major debates center on:

Controversial Selections

• Messi vs Paintsil: Should both MLS players make the cut?
• Araujo Inclusion: Does one goal justify a Barcelona IF?
• Cup Game Weight: How much should lower-league opposition matter?

Historical patterns suggest EA favors name recognition over pure performance, making Messi and Araujo likely despite community skepticism.

Impact on Current Promos

TOTW 3 releases alongside several ongoing EA FC 26 promotions:

Cornerstones Promo

The premium Cornerstones cards overshadow TOTW 3’s offerings, potentially reducing pack openings this week. Smart traders might capitalize on lower supply to flip cards later.

Upcoming Content

October brings Road to the Knockouts, likely starting October 11. TOTW 3 cards could become valuable for early RTK SBCs requiring special cards.

Platform-Specific Considerations

Market dynamics vary across platforms in 2026:

PlayStation & Xbox

• Largest player base ensures liquidity
• Prices typically 10-15% higher than PC
• Crossplay maintains similar values

PC Market

• Smaller player base creates volatility
• Bots influence pricing more significantly
• Often offers investment opportunities through price gaps

EA FC 26 Web App

• Limited trading capacity affects TOTW investing
• Mobile companion app provides better functionality
• Market access remains crucial for Wednesday releases

Professional Player Perspectives

Several EA FC Pro players have shared their TOTW 3 thoughts:

The consensus among professionals suggests Joelinton represents this week’s hidden gem. His unique body type and stat distribution could define the early competitive meta.

Historical TOTW 3 Patterns

Analyzing previous FIFA/EA FC titles reveals patterns:

Traditional TOTW 3 Trends

• Weaker than TOTW 1 & 2 (confirmed this year)
• Include surprise lower-league selections
• Feature at least one “investment” card that explodes later
• Women’s players receive increased representation

These patterns hold true for EA FC 26’s third Team of the Week.

Preparation for TOTW 4

Looking ahead to next week’s Team of the Week:

Players to Watch

• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool fixture upcoming)
• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid consistency)
• Sam Kerr (Chelsea Women’s return)

Investment Strategy

TOTW 3’s weakness might make TOTW 4 exceptionally strong as EA compensates. Preparing 100-200k coins for next Wednesday could yield significant returns.

SBC Applications

TOTW 3 cards will prove valuable for upcoming Squad Building Challenges:

Confirmed Requirements

• Icon SBCs require TOTW cards
• Player of the Month often needs 2-3 TOTWs
• Marquee Matchups occasionally feature TOTW requirements

Investment Logic

Buying multiple 81-83 rated TOTW 3 cards at discard (10-12k) provides guaranteed profit when SBCs release. Historical data shows 3-5x returns within 2-3 weeks.

Advanced Trading Techniques

For experienced traders, TOTW 3 offers sophisticated opportunities:

Lazy Buyer Method

List TOTW 3 cards 20-30% above lowest BIN during peak hours (6-10 PM UK). Casual players often buy without checking cheaper options.

Chemistry Style Trading

Apply Hunter/Shadow to meta TOTW 3 cards before listing. The 5-10k chemistry style investment can yield 15-20k profit per card.

Mass Bidding Strategy

Place 100+ bids at 70% of lowest BIN during off-hours. Win rate of 5-10% still generates substantial profit across volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does TOTW 3 release exactly?

TOTW 3 releases Wednesday, October 1, 2026 at 6 PM UK time. The squad remains in packs until October 8, 2026 at the same time.

Which TOTW 3 player offers the best value?

Joelinton at 82→84 provides exceptional meta value, while Igor Thiago’s massive upgrade makes him perfect for SBCs.

Should I open packs for TOTW 3?

Given the weaker selection, saving packs for TOTW 4 or upcoming promos might provide better value unless you specifically want these players.

How do TOTW 3 cards affect chemistry?

TOTW cards maintain the same chemistry links as their base versions, making them direct upgrades for existing squads.

Will TOTW 3 cards be needed for objectives?

Historically, EA releases TOTW-specific objectives 2-3 weeks after release, making ownership valuable for easy completion.

Can TOTW 3 players receive additional upgrades?

No, TOTW cards are standalone items. However, players can receive separate special cards in future promos.

What’s the pack weight for TOTW 3 cards?

Based on community data, each rare gold player has approximately 0.5% chance of being TOTW, though higher-rated cards have lower probability.

Should I invest in TOTW 3 for future profit?

Discard-value 82-84 rated cards offer safe investment for future SBCs. Expect 2-3x returns within a month.

How do Cup games affect TOTW selection?

EA now equally weights cup performances, though lower-tier opposition sometimes results in reserve placement rather than starting XI.

Will there be TOTW 3 guaranteed packs?

EA typically releases guaranteed TOTW packs during Black Friday or futmas events. Current TOTW 3 cards would feature in those packs.

Final Verdict

TOTW 3 represents a transitional week in EA FC 26’s Ultimate Team calendar. While lacking the star power of previous editions, smart players will recognize the investment opportunities presented by lower prices and future SBC applications. Julian Alvarez headlines a squad that prioritizes depth over peak quality, offering something for every budget level.

My recommendation? Focus on quantity over quality this week. Grab multiple Joelintons for your squads, invest in discard TOTWs for future SBCs, and save your premium fodder for next week’s likely stronger selection. The beauty of weaker TOTWs lies in their accessibility – newer players can finally afford special cards while veterans stock up for future content.

Remember to check back next week for TOTW 4 predictions, and explore our complete EA FC 26 cheap players guide to maximize your Ultimate Team value. The road to Division 1 doesn’t require expensive squads – just smart decisions and market awareness.

This article will be updated when EA officially announces TOTW 3 on October 1, 2026. Follow our social channels for instant updates and market tips.