Unveiling Gauntlet in FC 26: New Challenges, Rules & Best Practices

Alexa Hunter

13/10/2025

With each new installment, EA looks to refresh the Ultimate Team experience. In EA FC 26, one of the additions generating buzz is Gauntlet mode a challenge-based format intended to diversify how you play each week. In this article, I’ll walk through what Gauntlet is, how it works (as leaked so far), strengths and risks, strategy tips, and how it fits into the FUT ecosystem. LootBar is the best option to improve your experience in the game.

What Is Gauntlet Mode?

Gauntlet mode is designed as a multi-match challenge series in which you must use new squads across rounds. According to leaks, Gauntlet will consist of 2 to 5 matches per challenge set, and you are required to field a fresh lineup for each game.

A key rule: once you use a player (or substitute) in one round of the Gauntlet, that same card cannot be reused in later rounds of that run.

Basically, Gauntlet forces you to manage squad depth, rotate players, and plan around constraints rather than lean heavily on your best XI for everything.

Mechanics & Constraints

Here’s a breakdown of the rules (from what has been leaked / reported) and how they affect gameplay:

Number of Rounds & Matches

Gauntlet challenges will include 2 to 5 rounds, meaning you’ll play between 2 and 5 games per challenge.
Each round requires you to reassemble a starting lineup (or at least adjust) under the restriction that no player used previously in that challenge can be reused.

Squad Rules

You must use a completely new squad each match (or at least no reuse of any player from earlier matches in that Gauntlet run).
Substitutes count too: if a player was on the bench and used, they are considered “used” and prohibited for later rounds.

Rewards & Purpose

Gauntlet is intended to add variety to weekly gameplay modes in FUT 26, giving you extra routes to rewards beyond just Rivals / Champions / SBCs.
It encourages building depth across your roster rather than relying solely on a top-tier core.

Strengths & Potential Challenges

Every new game mode comes with upsides and caveats. Let’s go through what Gauntlet offers — and where the risks lie.

Strengths

Utilizes your full squad — you’re rewarded for having depth and not just a star XI.
Strategic decision making — since you can’t reuse players, you’ll have to manage who plays when, potentially resting stars early or saving them for tougher rounds.
Variety — it prevents stale gameplay by forcing you to rotate lineups and perhaps experiment with lesser-used cards.
Additional reward path — it gives players more content and options to grind without always leaning on traditional modes.

Challenges & Risks

Requirement for a large pool of decent cards — if your bench is weak, you’ll struggle in later rounds.
Player fatigue / mismatch — lower-rated or less-used cards may underperform or lead to losses.
Chemistry & cohesion issues — swapping so many players might lead to chemotherapy (bad links) or mismatches in squad chemistry.
Balancing risk vs reward — matches early in the Gauntlet may feel easier, but later ones will likely be tougher, so you need to invest smartly.

Strategy Tips for Gauntlet Mode

Here are some ways you can approach Gauntlet to maximize success:

Build a deep, balanced roster
Don’t stack only super-stars; include solid mid-tier and backup cards that can perform when called upon.
Stagger your best players
Don’t burn your top XI in the first rounds. Try saving a few impact players for later matches.
Prioritize chemistry & position versatility
Use versatile players (who can shift positions) to cover shortages if your depth is weak. Also focus on preserving chemistry even when rotating.
Plan your rotations
Before starting the Gauntlet, pick which players you will allocate to which rounds. Decide if you’ll front-load or back-load your strength.
Use subs wisely
If a sub counts as “used,” you might want to limit substitutions or use your bench carefully to preserve options for later rounds.
Watch for rewards vs risk
Sometimes it may be better to exit or settle in a Gauntlet early if the later rounds seem too risky relative to the reward.

How Gauntlet Fits Into FUT 26’s Ecosystem

Gauntlet doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it’s part of a broader evolution of FUT’s content and reward systems in FC 26.

EA is positioning Gauntlet alongside new Live Events, tournaments, and a slower power curve for card progression.
It complements weekly modes like Rivals and Champions by offering an alternate route to rewards and gameplay variety.
Because Gauntlet forces you to use more of your roster, it encourages investment in mid-tier and reserve cards, which might help balance the FUT market and prevent overreliance on a handful of elite cards.

Conclusion

Gauntlet mode in EA FC 26 appears poised to become a refreshing addition to the FUT experience. By enforcing squad rotation, penalizing reuse, and rewarding deeper roster management, it encourages smarter strategy and gives players multiple paths to content.

While it comes with challenges — particularly for those with shallow squads or less bench depth — if approached thoughtfully, Gauntlet can be a fun, tactical mode that rewards planning over brute force. As more official details drop, I’ll help you refine your strategies and whether it’s worth chasing every Gauntlet. If you want to take your FC 26 UT squad to the next level, it may be a good idea to buy some FC 26 Coins to build up your dream team.

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Valid period: January 8, 2025, 12:55 PM – February 28, 2026, 12:00 AM