FC26 Just Handed Out a FREE 97-Rated Maradona

[Chunzliu]

Looking to bag FC26's coveted free 97 Maradona Icon? The North America Journey of Nations objective is mandatory for this top reward; can you wrap all three task phases across just 12-14 matches with smart squad builds FC 26 Coins? This guide breaks down efficient completion and all lucrative loot.

1. What Is This North America Objective & Why Must You Complete It?

Audience & Value: Target casual and hardcore FUT collectors chasing free endgame Icons. Readers learn this chapter is one regional piece of the full Journey of Nations event; skipping it locks players out of unlocking 97 Maradona even after finishing other continental sets before Season 8 closes.

This regional challenge ties into FC26's Festival of Football event. No North America completion = no Maradona pick, making it non-negotiable for Icon hunters. All tasks split neatly into three match-based phases with tailored nationality lineup rules.

2. Three-Phase Fast Completion Playbook

Audience & Value: Busy grinders aiming to cut redundant matches; saves hours by stacking multiple objectives per game instead of separate task farming.

Phase 1 (6 matches, 4-4-2): 3 Mexico, 6 USA, 1 Brazil starter. Keep Dempsey and Hero Marquez in XI to hit clean sheet, free-kick, low-driven goals and header targets simultaneously across six wins.

Practice low-driven shots in Kick-Off first to avoid costly delays.

Phase 2 (5 matches): Minimum six Canadian players. Stack single-match double assists and lobbed through-ball helper goals with advanced striker runs to clear requirements quickly. Prioritize Live Events over tough Rivals for easier opponent AI.

Phase3 (1-3 Rush games): Use any North American athlete. Rush's compact pitch speeds team's 7 goals and 5 assists plus a two-goal margin win in minimal games.

3. All Valuable Rewards Unlocked On Full Clearance

Audience & Value: Coin farmers and SBC builders; details all currency, Evolutions and high-rated PTG special cards to measure the objective's real in-game worth.

Full completion grants 60k coins, 100 Festival Tokens, Evolutions plus multiple high-tier promo cards including 94 Adams, 93 Ochoa and fan-favorite 89 Fantasy Dempsey. Duplicate earned cards can fuel future SBC fodder for extra club profit.

Final Quick Tips & Split User Benefits

Pro Grinding Tips

Pick Live Events for Phase1/2 easier wins instead of competitive Rivals whenever possible.

Retain core required players in your starting XI throughout each phase to capitalize on random in-game chances Buy Fut 26 Coins.

Core Rewards by Player Type

Free-to-Play Fans: Free high-value special cards + critical progress toward the game-changing 97 Maradona Icon with zero real-money spend.

SBC/Token Grinders: Big coin + token payouts to redeem limited event store packs and Evolutions.

Squad Builders: Cheap high-chem North American PTG stars to strengthen CONCACAF-themed team builds instantly.