The Team of the Year for EA Sports FC 26 is almost here, and anticipation is building. Despite a recent decline in interest in Ultimate Team, the game’s premier annual promotion is just around the corner.

This event recognises the best-performing footballers from the past year by introducing a selection of the most powerful and game-changing player items to the popular game mode. These cards are renowned for their striking designs, boosted stats, and notoriously low pack odds. As a result, the Team of the Year promo cards are some of the most coveted items in the entire game.

So, how is the squad selected?

It’s simple. EA Sports has published a shortlist of nominees before launching a public vote, allowing players to influence who makes the final squad, reports the Mirror.

While fan votes play a part, the ultimate decision lies with EA. With the complete list of nominees now available, All Out Gaming has attempted to forecast who might be included in the EA Sports FC 26 Team of the Year squads.

With hundreds of players globally to select from, we ask for your patience if our predictions turn out to be incorrect this Friday. We’ve predicted 3 Premier League players to make the men’s squad and four Lionesses to earn a spot on the women’s XI.

How to vote for EA Sports FC 26 Team of the Year

Voting has now officially begun, having opened at 6pm on January 7. Players have some time left, with the polls slamming shut on EA has already announced the key timings and structure for the FC 26 Team of the Year vote.

Voting is scheduled to open at 12pm CST / 6pm UK time on January 7 and is expected to close by 6pm on January 12.

Players can cast their votes online and in-game. Doing so in FC 26’s Ultimate Team mode will ensure loan versions of the chosen players.

EA also usually announces a ’12th man’ alongside the TOTY XI, which this year could well be a pair of English players. Harry Kane’s phenomenal 2025 should be rewarded, and Chloe Kelly’s Euro 2025 heroics could well earn her some special recognition too.