FC 26's free Vanguard Evolution has gone live, letting players upgrade a lower-rated card into a much-improved centre-back through four upgrade tiers. Because it costs nothing to use, choosing the right base card matters for getting the most value, and a Destructoid guide has set out its recommended eligible players to slot into the evolution.

Eligible cards must start at a maximum overall rating of 96, with a cap of 10 playstyles and 4 playstyles+, and must be positioned as CB. Across the four levels, the evolution boosts overall rating up to 98 and sharply improves pace, heading, tackling, physicality and defensive stats, while adding playstyles such as Quick Step, Rapid, Jockey, Bruiser and Anticipate; each level requires playing one match in Squad Battles (Semi-Pro or higher) or in Rush, Rivals, Champions or Live Events. Recommended players include Konate (Glory Hunters), Huijsen (FUTTIES), Stam (Prime Hero), Van Dijk (TOTS), Pacho (Phenoms), Araujo (PTG), Quansah (Showdown), Stones (Glory Hunters) and Carragher (Prime Hero), with the guide also noting that suitable right-backs or left-backs able to play CB can be used too.