The group chat was buzzing. Everyone was lobbying for their favorite player, arguing stats and past performances. This wasn’t just about bragging rights; a digital legacy was on the line. The EA FC 26 Team of the Year (TOTY) vote was about to begin.
Just like it happens every year, the EA FC 26 TOTY event includes a 12th player in both the women’s and men’s squads, chosen after fan voting. This bonus player release allows the community to induct one of their favorites into the Team of the Year. The 12th player vote generates a lot of excitement, especially since it features a small selection of superstars to pick from. Here’s how you can participate.
EA FC 26 TOTY 12th Man Vote: Dates and Times
Think of the anticipation as the clock ticks down. The same goes for the TOTY vote. Timing is everything, so here’s what you need to know.
Voting for the FC 26 TOTY 12th player kicks off on Saturday, January 17, at 6 PM BST (10 AM PT/1 PM ET). The voting window closes three days later, on January 20, at the same time. Once the votes are tallied, 12th man player items will be released in Ultimate Team packs on January 23. For a detailed release schedule, check out our TOTY calendar.
Casting Your Vote: The Process
The digital stadium is set; the players are ready. It’s your turn to step onto the virtual pitch. Here’s how to make your voice heard.
You can participate using consoles, PC, or the Companion App. Just follow these steps once the voting window is open:
- Log in to Ultimate Team, and you’ll receive two Loan Player Pick items.
- Both items carry nominees for the 12th player vote – one has the men’s nominees, while the other has their female counterparts.
- Open these loan picks, select your favorite player, and add to your Club to register your vote.
- The players with the most votes will receive TOTY cards on January 23.
What Happens if You Miss the TOTY Vote?
Life gets busy. Server issues happen. What if you can’t get your vote in on time? Unfortunately, missing the voting window means your opinion won’t be counted. The good news? There are always future opportunities to participate in EA FC events and shape the game.
Meet the Nominees: FC 26 TOTY 12th Man
Consider this the pre-game analysis. Knowing the contenders is half the battle. The names in contention narrowly missed out on the fan-voted starting XI, but with your help, two of them can still join the festivities. Check out the full list of nominees below:
Men’s 12th Player Nominees
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- Raphinha (Barcelona)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Women’s 12th Player Nominees
- Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)
- Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona)
- Kadidiatou Diani (Lyon)
Will the Meta Influence the Vote?
Historically, the 12th man winners tend to be Ultimate Team fan-favorites, because the voting leans towards players who are overpowered in-game. This year, that trend might continue. If history repeats, Lamine Yamal will likely be the winner for men’s voting, while Caroline Graham Hansen could take the honor in the women’s voting.
The stage is set, the nominees are known, and the voting window is almost here. Which dark horse contender deserves a spot, regardless of their in-game stats?