If you’re diving into FC 26 Ultimate Team, building a strong squad doesn’t always mean spending millions of coins. Sure, Mbappé, Dembélé, and Virgil van Dijk are elite options, but you can still compete with clever, affordable choices or even buy FUT 26 Coins to speed up the process. This guide breaks down the best players in each position-perfect for RTG (Road to Glory) players or anyone working with a smaller budget.

Goalkeepers

Goalkeeping feels stronger in FC 26, with reactions and reflexes standing out. While higher-rated cards naturally perform well, a few cheap beasts punch above their price:

· Mamma Mia - An affordable stopper with excellent reflexes.

· Vicario - Strong option who can even fit into the Goalkeeper Evolution for upgrades.

· Joan García - Sweeper keeper with quick reflexes, surprisingly reliable.

These three keepers are budget-friendly yet consistently make clutch saves.

Center Backs

Pace has returned as a key stat for defenders this year, making fast CBs incredibly valuable. Here are the standouts:

· St. Juste - Blazing 92 pace plus Intercept+, arguably the best budget CB in the game.

· Lacroix - Another lightning-quick option, though St. Juste feels more secure defensively.

· Alo - Complete defender with Aura+, making him annoying to face even for top attackers.

· Bombito - Just 2,000 coins, with 93 pace. If you’re confident with manual defending, pairing Bombito with St. Juste gives you elite recovery speed for pocket change.

· Pacho - Probably the most frustrating opponent CB thanks to Anticipate and Jockey.

· Marinos - About 80k but worth every coin for Intercept+ and elite defending.

For big spenders, Van Dijk remains unmatched, but budget defenders like Alo or Bombito are perfect for competitive squads.

Fullbacks

Fullbacks need pace and stamina to overlap constantly. Here are the best options:

Right Backs

· Frimpong - Lightning-fast with 95 acceleration. Weak physically, but positioning makes up for it.

· Ba - Great value with 90 pace and 81 physical.

· Dumfries / Reece James SBC - Stronger options with great defensive awareness and strength.

· Di Lorenzo & Llorente - Balanced players who can attack and defend effectively.

Left Backs

· Nuno Mendes - Arguably the best LB right now.

· Theo Hernández & Davies - Perfect mid-tier options with pace and attacking threat.

· Balde - Excellent 15k option for budget players.

· Udogie - Around 7k and one of the most underrated defenders this year.

Wingers & Wide Mids

Wingers are crucial in FC 26 for stretching play and creating chances.

· Messi - Shockingly affordable at ~35k with Technical+, Quick Step, and the ability to play RW, CAM, or striker.

· Pepe (Showdown) - Inside Forward+, solid dribbling and shooting for just 12k.

· Pulisic - Five-star weak foot and versatile across wide roles.

· Rodman - 50k, but among the best dribblers thanks to Quick Step+ and great play styles.

· Iñaki Williams - A budget monster with blistering pace, Quick Step, and low-driven shots.

For left-sided players, Salma Paralluelo is insane value at 50k, boasting 92 acceleration, finesse shots, and striker flexibility.

Midfielders (CDM/CM/CAM)

Midfield is stacked with affordable gems this year. Key picks include:

· Rabiot & Guendouzi - Cheap, versatile CMs with solid stats all around.

· Vitinha, Pedri, Valverde - Excellent link-up play and balanced attributes.

· Mariona (50k) - Amazing all-action card, surprisingly rapid.

· Gavi - Five-star skills and technical precision.

· Modric - Timeless option with 88 passing and dribbling.

· Camavinga - Reliable and balanced for both ends of the pitch.

For CAMs, Musiala is elite for left-stick dribbling, while Xavi Simons and Dybala offer creative spark at affordable prices.

Strikers

Budget strikers are thriving this year, with several must-try cards:

· Ossimhen - Cheap and clinical, perfect for running in behind.

· Álvarez - Great dribbling and finishing for under 100k.

· Lookman - CAM/Striker hybrid with 88 dribbling and Quick Step.

· Marmoush - A nightmare to face, consistently scoring multiple goals.

· José Pérez - The “Spanish Ben Yedder,” only 10k with great finishing and incisive runs.

· Colo Muani - Premier League favorite for pace and direct play.

· Amoura - Just 2,000 coins but absurd value.

Final Thoughts

FC 26 is shaping up to be one of the most balanced Ultimate Team editions yet. With manual defending mattering more and pace returning to prominence, you don’t need millions of coins to compete, especially if you know how to find deals or stock up on cheap Fut 26 Coins. From St. Juste and Bombito at the back to Messi and Salma on the wings, and budget beasts like Ossimhen or Pérez up top, there are plenty of affordable options to build a fun and competitive squad. Keep experimenting, upgrade smartly, and don’t overlook underrated gems-because in FC 26, budget players can shine just as bright as the superstars.