As all of history’s greatest squads show, no team can excel in football without an elite center-back (CB). This truth holds even more weight in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team, where the meta heavily influences gameplay, especially in the higher divisions. Surprisingly, there are many budget-friendly defenders who can perform exceptionally well and, in some cases, challenge even the most expensive 1M+ cards.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best center-backs you can acquire in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team for under 10K, 50K, and 100K coins. Note that we have excluded SBC (Squad Building Challenge) players due to their time-gated availability.
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### The Best CBs For Under 10K In EA FC 26
When looking for an affordable yet effective starting CB, Gold Rare Roger Ibanez stands out as the top choice. His impressive 87 PAC, combined with a versatile selection of defensive PlayStyles, make him a reliable option. You can build a solid back two for less than 6K coins with him.
Following closely is Ronald Araujo, who offers similar strengths but comes from a league that makes him easier to link with other players. Both players bring great value for their low cost.
Other notable budget alternatives are also available, which can provide solid defensive foundations without breaking the bank.
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### The Best Under 50K CBs in EA FC 26
If your budget allows a bit more flexibility but you still want to spend wisely, Gold Rare Marquinhos is arguably the best value-for-money CB under 50K coins. He combines strong defensive attributes with good pace, making him a well-rounded choice.
Another excellent alternative is Gold Rare Willian Pacho. Despite being slightly overpriced, Pacho’s Bruiser+ PlayStyle and solid PAC, DEF, and PHY stats make him a formidable presence at the back.
Check out the overview below for more details on these and other recommended defenders in this price range.
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### The Best Under 100K Center-Backs In EA FC 26
Unsurprisingly, Gold Rare Virgil van Dijk remains the top CB option under 100K coins in EA FC 26. Known for his commanding physicality, van Dijk also boasts a diverse array of PlayStyles such as Intercept+ and Pinged Pass. This combination allows him to excel as a Ball-Playing Defender, fitting seamlessly into nearly any formation or tactic. His leadership and defensive prowess make him a must-have for many squads on a budget.
Complementing van Dijk under this budget is Saliba, who proves to be an excellent partner. His Anticipate+ PlayStyle compensates for the lack of some standard PlayStyles, making him a valuable asset in defense.
For those looking to enhance their bench, we’ve also included three additional alternatives worth considering.
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With these budget-friendly center-backs, you don’t need to break the bank to build a solid defense in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team. Whether you’re starting out or looking to upgrade affordably, these players offer great performance and value for their cost.
https://www.operationsports.com/the-best-under-10k-50k-and-100k-center-backs-cb-in-ea-fc-26-ultimate-team/