Electronic Arts is shaking up its most competitive game mode once again. With the launch of EA Sports FC 26, the Champions Weekend League—the crown jewel of Ultimate Team—has been overhauled to make the path to entry clearer and the rewards system more balanced.

 

The new system aims to reduce grind, reward consistency, and slow down the in-game power curve so that top players remain valuable for longer. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the new Champions qualification system, the updated rewards structure, and what it all means for your competitive Ultimate Team journey.

 

A Complete Overhaul of Champions Qualification

 

One of the biggest pain points in past FIFA and FC titles was the lengthy, sometimes frustrating qualification path. EA Sports has listened to feedback and simplified the process in EA FC 26.

 

1,000 Champions Qualification Points (CQP): Just like before, players still need to earn CQPs to unlock access to the Weekend League.

 

Earned in Division Rivals: These points are mainly collected by playing Division Rivals matches. Wins, draws, and your division standing determine how many points you rack up.

 

No More Champions Play-Offs

 

The most significant change is the removal of the Champions Play-offs stage. Previously, players had to qualify through an extra mini-tournament after earning points, creating an extra grind before the actual Weekend League.

 

Now, once you have 1,000 points, you’re automatically eligible for Champions. No extra hoops, no wasted games—just a direct line into the competition.

 

New Division Requirement

 

To make sure the competition stays tough, EA has added a restriction: only players in Division 7 or higher can earn qualification points.

 

This move creates a clearer distinction between casual and competitive players. For new or lower-division players, the mode remains aspirational, while experienced players have a more structured path into high-stakes matches.

 

New Reward Tiers and Structure

 

The other major shake-up in EA FC 26 is the expanded rewards system. EA has introduced 15 distinct ranks, giving players more opportunities to earn prizes that match their skill level and consistency.

 

What’s Changed in Rewards?

 

Rank 1 Rewards: At the top tier, Rank 1 players can earn 85,000 FC 26 Coins, along with multiple high-rated player packs and guaranteed campaign items.

 

Scaled Rewards: Instead of massive power spikes early on, rewards are now more evenly distributed across the ranks. This means players outside of the elite bracket still get meaningful incentives for competing.

 

Weaker Than FC 25 Rewards: Compared to FC 25, the rewards may seem toned down. That’s intentional. EA wants to slow the power curve, making high-level player cards more exclusive and valuable over time.

 

Why This Matters

 

In past games, powerful special cards flooded the market too quickly, making even elite squads feel outdated within weeks. By dialing rewards back slightly, EA is giving longevity to top cards and ensuring that the grind stays meaningful across the full game cycle.

 

Champions Weekend League Format

 

The Weekend League itself is also seeing a scheduling and structure refresh.

 

Competition Window: Runs from Thursday 12 AM PT until Tuesday of the following week.

 

Match Limit: Players can compete in up to 15 matches during the event.

 

Rank Progression: Each win contributes to your rank, and your final standing determines your reward tier.

 

This new 15-match cap is much lighter than previous years, which often demanded 20–30 matches in just a few days. The reduced match count is a welcome change for players who struggled to balance real life with competitive play.

 

What These Changes Mean for Players

 

The new EA FC 26 Champions system is designed to strike a balance between accessibility and competitiveness. Here’s the big picture:

 

Less Grind: Removing the Play-offs step means less time wasted qualifying.

 

Clearer Skill Gaps: By locking qualification points to Division 7 and above, EA ensures that Weekend League remains a test for skilled players.

 

Balanced Rewards: With more ranks and toned-down rewards, the playing field stays competitive while avoiding early “super teams.”

 

More Player Retention: A manageable 15-match limit encourages more players to finish their runs instead of burning out.

 

Quick Answers: EA FC 26 Champions

 

When does the Weekend League start?

 

Every Thursday at 12 AM PT and ends on Tuesday.

 

How do you qualify?

 

Earn 1,000 Champions Qualification Points by playing Division Rivals (Div 7 or higher).

 

Can lower-division players earn CQPs?

 

No, players below Division 7 cannot earn points toward Champions.

 

Have rewards changed in FC 26?

 

Yes, rewards are less powerful than FC 25, with 15 rank tiers to spread out prizes more evenly.

 

What is the highest rank?

 

Rank 1, which offers Fut 26 Coins rewards, high-rated packs, and campaign item guarantees.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The overhaul of EA FC 26 Champions is one of the most impactful changes to Ultimate Team in years. By eliminating unnecessary steps, capping matches, and balancing rewards, EA has created a more accessible but still competitive system.

 

For hardcore players, the grind is smoother and less time-intensive. For casuals, the new rank system ensures you’ll walk away with rewards that actually feel worthwhile, even if you don’t reach the top.

 

It’s a bold redesign aimed at making the Weekend League both fairer and more rewarding—and from the looks of it, EA may have finally struck the right balance between challenge and accessibility.