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MMOexp-EA FC26: João Pedro SBC Review – Strong in the Box, Slow on the Turn

EA Sports has dropped Ratings Reload Team 2, and with it comes one of the most talked-about SBCs of the promo-João Pedro. Many players remember his iconic "Road to the Knockouts" card from earlier FIFA titles, and now, in EA FC 26, he's back with an 86-rated item that's turning heads. But with a three-squad requirement and no PlayStyle+, the big question is simple: Is this João Pedro SBC worth completing, or should you save your coins?

Card Overview: Balanced, Tall, and Versatile-on Paper FC 26 Coins

João Pedro's new 86-rated SBC comes as a Controlled player type, capable of playing ST and CAM, with a 4★ skill moves / 4★ weak foot combination. Standing at 6'2", he's taller than most players remember-an interesting revelation considering many assumed he was shorter in past games.

His base stats paint a picture of a well-rounded forward, though not one that immediately jumps off the screen:

 Pace: 84

 Shooting: 86

 Passing: 78

 Dribbling: 83

 Physical: 81

He also comes with the following PlayStyles:

 Finesse

 Power Shot

 Rapid

 Press Proven

 Advanced+ and Shadow Striker+

However, he lacks any passing-oriented PlayStyles, which means his CAM potential is limited. That's why most players-including this review-will be using him primarily as a striker.

First Impressions: Looks Can Be Deceiving

On paper, João Pedro doesn't look like a meta-breaking card. He's solid everywhere but doesn't excel in any one category. No PlayStyle+ means he's missing the signature boost that defines most elite attackers in EA FC 26.

But sometimes, numbers don't tell the full story-and that's why in-game testing matters. So, with a Hunter chemistry style applied, Pedro was sent straight into Division Rivals action to see what he can really do.

In-Game Testing: From Kick Clash to Clinical Finishing

From the first match, João Pedro made an immediate impact. Despite his height and lack of elite pace on paper, he managed to feel surprisingly quick on the counterattack.

"Gets around the man and then finds the far corner. Let's be having it."

That early strike showed what this card does best-efficient, composed finishing in front of goal. He's not a flashy dribbler or a playmaker, but when you feed him chances, he delivers.

Across multiple games, his finishing stood out as a consistent strength:

 Near-post shots? Laser-precise.

 Cross-goal finishes? Lethal.

 Finesse efforts? On target, often forcing top saves.

 Weak foot? Surprisingly strong, thanks to his 4★ rating.

Whether you're on the edge of the box or inside the six-yard area, Pedro shows great composure and striking accuracy.

Dribbling and Ball Control: The Weak Link

Unfortunately, dribbling is where João Pedro shows cracks.

"Left stick control is okay-nothing insane though."

Even after switching to a Finisher chemistry style (boosting Agility and Balance), his movement on the ball remained a little sluggish. Quick turns or close control under pressure aren't his strengths.

Compared to similar attackers like Gouiri or Mateta, João Pedro feels heavier-more like a traditional target man than a nimble CAM. His height and body type contribute to that, making him better suited for direct play and quick through balls rather than tight tiki-taka dribbling.

If you're someone who relies on rapid skill chains or agile movements, this SBC might disappoint you.

Positioning and Off-Ball Movement: A Hidden Strength

What João Pedro lacks in dribbling, he makes up for in intelligent positioning.

His off-ball runs are smart, consistent, and well-timed. Whether you trigger manual runs or let him move naturally, he frequently finds open pockets between defenders.

"The passing's all right, you know… shame he doesn't have passing PlayStyles, but the movement's good."

He thrives on give-and-go sequences, linking with faster wingers or creative midfielders. His Press Proven PlayStyle also means he adds pressure when out of possession, making him useful for counter-pressing teams.

PlayStyle Breakdown

Let's take a quick look at how each PlayStyle affects his game:

 Finesse: Helps curve shots from outside the box, especially on his right foot.

 Power Shot: Adds raw force to strikes, though animation speed can limit its practicality.

 Rapid: Slight boost in sprint acceleration once he's up to speed-noticeable in counterattacks.

 Press Proven: Makes him stronger during shoulder-to-shoulder duels.

 Advanced+ / Shadow Striker+: Improves attacking positioning and shooting consistency inside the box.

The combination gives João Pedro a clinical edge in finishing scenarios, though not much help for dribbling or playmaking.Best Chemistry Styles

1.Hunter-Maximizes pace and finishing; perfect for a pure striker role.

2.Finisher-Adds agility and balance boosts for players struggling with his mobility.

3.Engine-A balanced option if you want to slightly improve passing and dribbling without losing too much pace.

Ultimately, Hunter remains the go-to, since it accentuates his strengths rather than masking his weaknesses.

Ideal Role and Formation Fit

João Pedro fits best in systems that use two strikers or a solo target man approach. Examples include:

 4-4-2: Pair him with a smaller, faster striker who can feed him through balls.

 4-2-3-1: Use him as the lone striker supported by creative CAMs.

 3-5-2: Works well as a focal point with another forward playing off his shoulder.

He's less effective as a CAM, mainly due to the lack of passing PlayStyles and limited dribbling speed.

Price and Value: The 100K Question

At the time of writing, João Pedro's SBC costs roughly 100K coins, according to FUTBIN. For a Premier League striker, that's not outrageous-but it's not cheap either.

The issue is competition. For the same or even lower cost, players can pick up cards like:

 Mateta SBC (stronger physicals, similar finishing, better presence)

 In-form Watkins or Isak (tradeable, faster, more agile)

 Promo attackers with PlayStyle+ that outshine Pedro in flexibility.

Unless you're a Chelsea fan or have a sentimental attachment to João Pedro's past cards, this SBC doesn't offer significant long-term value.

Verdict: Great Finisher, Limited Ceiling

To summarize:

Pros:

 Strong, accurate finishing on both feet

 Excellent attacking positioning and runs

 Solid physical presence at 6'2"

 Affordable for a Premier League SBC

Cons:

 Sluggish left-stick dribbling

 No passing PlayStyles

 Average pace compared to top-tier attackers

 No PlayStyle+ bonus

João Pedro will score goals, that's undeniable. But in a meta defined by explosive movement and technical agility, his lack of fluidity holds him back from elite status.

If you're looking for a clinical, dependable striker for casual or RTG squads, he'll do the job. But if you want to dominate competitive play, your coins are better spent elsewhere.

Final Rating

 Finishing: 9/10

 Dribbling: 6.5/10

 Pace: 7.5/10

 Passing: 7/10

 Physical: 8/10

 Overall Value: 7/10

Verdict: EA FC 26 Coins for sale

João Pedro SBC is a nostalgic addition but not a must-complete. A fun, reliable striker who scores when given chances-yet limited by sluggish movement and lack of elite traits.

Unless you're building a Premier League-themed team or are a devoted fan, this is an SBC you can safely skip.