Track FC 26 Thunderstruck improvements

Like a bolt from the blue, Thunderstruck FC 26 Promotion returns with not only god-like versions of already great players, but with one of the best card designs in the game’s year-long lifecycle.

Thunderstruck cards are unique in that they haven’t been updated yet. If certain requirements are met within the next 5 domestic matches of a player’s team, their card will receive further boosts in the form of improved roles and additional playstyles.

To aid you keep track of which FC 26 Thunderstruck cards are being upgraded and when, we’ve put together a breakdown this list of all Thunderstruck cards in FC 26 and all the buffs they can receive.

How do FC 26 Thunderstruck cards receive updates?

In FC 26, Thunderstruck players have the potential to receive further boosts based on their team’s actual performance.

This is a mechanic that has been used before in EA Sports FC, but this time the requirements have been modified to focus solely on the performance of the entire team. This is probably because in the past players have been injured or suspended, which takes all the fun out of the promotion.

FC 26 Thunderstruck players will receive the following buffs if their teams meet the following requirements:

Win/Draw 2 from next 5 domestic matches = +1 additional normal playstyle
Win/draw 3 from next 5 domestic matches = all roles updated to “++”
The team scores 10 goals in the next 5 domestic matches = +1Gamestyle+OR if the player already has PlayStyle+ +1 additional normal playstyle

There are various FC promotions that take real-life performance into account, including FUT Fantasy and Road to the Finals cards, but previous years have seen stats increases for already redeemed cards. In an attempt to leisurely down the power curve in FC 26, it looks like EA decided to focus on roles and playstyles to limit the power escalate a bit more.

For example, if Real Madrid wins or draws 1 more match after a 1-1 draw against relegated Girona, then Thunderstruck Jude Bellingham will receive another regular PlayStyle.

If they win or draw another game after this and the point total is 3, all of Jude’s roles in their positions will be increased to “++”.

However, if Real Madrid manages to score a total of 10 goals (that’s 9 more in the remaining 4 games), Jude will receive another additional PlayStyle since he already has Tiki Taka+. As mentioned, Thunderstruck players who don’t already have PlayStyle+ will receive one if they meet the latter requirement.

Thunderstruck Icons have their upgrades tied to teams from their illustrious careers, which is a good thing since they all played for top clubs around the world who have a mighty chance of winning games and scoring goals.

However, it’s not always the band you’d expect or the one most associated with Icon. For example, while Franz Beckenbauer obviously receives his pay rise from German champions Bayern, Dennis Bergkamp receives it from his first club, Ajax, not Arsenal.

Unfortunately for Gareth Bale, however, he cannot tie his progress to the current PGA Golf tournament, Wales’ World Cup qualification or even Real Madrid, so he will have to settle for Spurs.

Oddly enough, some icons have their upgrades tied to teams that don’t exist. Paolo Maldini played over 900 games for AC Milan, but FC 26 lost the rights to the Rossoneri, who feature exclusively on Konami eFootball. If you wait for “Milano FC” to win the match, as Maldini’s card says, you will be waiting a long time, but fortunately this is linked to AC Milan’s form (currently top of the table), even if it is not confirmed in the game.