The clock ticks down to stoppage time. You’re one goal away from finishing the Better Late Than Never objective and your squad looks like a rushed last-minute buy. I felt that panic too—so I built a repeatable plan that finishes the set fast.
I’ll walk you through a lean squad, the exact tasks you can chain together, and the modes where you’ll waste the least time. Follow the sequence I use and you’ll finish all seven tasks across a handful of matches instead of grinding them separately.
The controller vibrates on kickoff: Quickest way to complete the FC 26 Better Late Than Never objective
I’m going to give you the minimalist lineup that hits multiple objectives at once. Field these pieces and you’ll convert several task requirements into single-game wins.
- One attacker born on or before July 10, 1996 — you need him to score five total goals across matches, so use a forward who actually takes chances.
- One Czechia player — set him up as a creator for assists.
- Two DR Congo players — slot both into your starting XI for the clean-sheet/team nationality task.
- One Uzbekistan player — he must score in three separate matches.
- One Cabo Verde player — same: score in three separate matches.
- One Austrian player — use him for three separate assists.
Place the Czechia and Austrian players on the wings or as midfield creators so they can repeatedly supply the attacker born before July 10, 1996. Position the DR Congo pair centrally in defense or as holding mids so the clean-sheet task stays active. This formation functions like a Swiss watch: parts move together and you get the result without fiddling.
The kitchen timer smells of burnt coffee: How to combine tasks into the fewest matches
Think in layers rather than isolated checks. I structure each match to tick off three or four objectives if possible.
- Match plan A (safety first): Start with high possession and low risk—aim for a clean sheet while getting your Austrian and Czechia players one assist each over three separate matches.
- Match plan B (scoring focus): Rotate the Uzbek and Cabo Verde scorers into starting roles across three matches to get their three separate-goal requirements.
- Finisher matches: Use your 30+ attacker as the focal point across matches to reach five goals total—sub him less often and take penalties if you can.
Concede one goal or less across three games while starting two DR Congo players and you’ll satisfy the Congo Duo. Play patient football and pick your moments to finish the other ticking tasks.
How do I finish the Better Late Than Never objective fast?
Short answer: stack tasks on the same match. Use Squad Battles on Semi-Pro so you control pace and outcomes, and alternate between matches that prioritize defense and matches that prioritize scoring. I use the EA Sports FC Companion and FUTBIN to check link chemistry and market prices before I commit players; FUTBIN’s web app and squad builder save me time when I’m swapping nationalities.
Can Squad Battles count for FC 26 objectives?
Yes. Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro (or higher), Rivals, Champions Finals, and Live Events all qualify. I prefer Squad Battles because you can dial difficulty to Semi-Pro and farm the objectives faster without the unpredictability of other players.
The noise of the stadium feed fades: Modes and practical tips that save time
Use modes to your advantage and remove friction where you can.
- Squad Battles (Min. Semi-Pro) — fastest if you want predictable results and the least stress.
- Rivals / Champions Finals — use if you prefer live competition; expect longer, tighter matches.
- Live Events — useful if specific event objectives overlap with your goals.
Extra tips from my playbook:
- Set your tactics to conservative build-up on clean-sheet matches and quick counter on scoring matches.
- Take penalties with your 30+ attacker to speed up the five-goal requirement if you earn spot kicks.
- Use squad builder tools (FUTBIN, FUTWIZ) to validate chemistry and confirm player nationalities before you lock squads.
Below are the exact objectives you’ll be ticking off as you play:
- Still got it!: Score 5 goals with a player born on or before July 10, 1996 in Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro (or Live Events/Rivals/Champions).
- Czech Mate: Assist 1 goal in 3 separate matches using a Czechia player in Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro (or Live Events/Rivals/Champions).
- Congo Duo: Concede 1 goal or less in 3 separate matches while having 2 DR Congo players in your starting XI in Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro (or Live Events/Rivals/Champions).
- Uzbek Flair: Score 1 goal in 3 separate matches with an Uzbekistan player in Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro (or Live Events/Rivals/Champions).
- Cabo Finish: Score 1 goal in 3 separate matches with a Cabo Verde player in Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro (or Live Events/Rivals/Champions).
- Heart of Haiti: Get 3 Clean Sheets while having a Haitian player in your starting XI in Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro (or Live Events/Rivals/Champions).
- Vienna Vision: Assist 1 goal in 3 separate matches using an Austrian player in Squad Battles on Min. Semi-Pro (or Live Events/Rivals/Champions).
Play smart: rotate the Uzbek and Cabo Verde starters so each gets three separate matches with a full start, and keep your veteran attacker in the lineup until he hits five goals. The plan operates like a heat-seeking missile—targeted, relentless, and efficient.
Want to shave even more time? Record your first playthrough to reuse setups, or join EA FC community Discords and Reddit threads where members trade quick-swap squads and spare players.
Which objective will you finish first and what trick will you use to shave off match time?