FC 26 Nicolas Tagliafico Thunderstruck SBC
Unlike previous years where selected cards received direct stat boosts, Thunderstruck items in FC 26 will not upgrade their overall ratings or stats. Instead, players can gain additional PlayStyles and Roles depending on their team's real-world performances in their domestic leagues. This creates a risk-reward scenario that may benefit users who like tactical squad variation rather than pure stat power.
Tagliafico is the first Thunderstruck SBC player released, and even though the SBC is slightly costly compared to alternatives, many FC 26 Players looking for squad depth at left-back may find value in completing it early.
SBC Requirements & Cheapest Solutions
The FC 26 Nicolas Tagliafico Thunderstruck SBC requires the completion of three segments, following a similar structure to the recently popular Flashback Gyokeres challenge. The inclusion of a Team of the Week card in the second segment slightly inflates the price, but overall, this SBC is still manageable, especially if you have untradeable fodder ready.
Here's a full breakdown with low-cost solution guides to help you preserve valuable FC 26 Coins:
Task 1: Argentina
Minimum 1 Argentina player
Team Rating: Minimum 83
Suggested Solution (Lowest Cost):
Dali (83)
Artem Dovbyk (83)
Athenea (83)
Gavi (83)
İlkay Gündoğan (83)
Kamara (83)
Bowen (83)
Dejan Kulusevski (83)
Cerci (83)
Hendrich (82)
Ángel Di María (82), fulfils the Argentina requirement
Task 2: Top Form
Minimum 1 Team of the Week player
Team Rating: Minimum 83
Suggested Squad (Cost-Effective):
Dali (83)
Artem Dovbyk (83)
Athenea (83)
Hornkamp (TOTW 83) – required TOTW
Gündoğan (83)
Kamara (83)
Bowen (83)
Dejan Kulusevski (83)
Cerci (83)
Hendrich (82)
Di María (82)
Using an untradeable TOTW card here is highly recommended if you're trying to minimize FC 26 Coins expenditure.
Task 3: Ligue 1
Minimum 1 Ligue 1 player
Team Rating: Minimum 85
Recommended Entry:
Alexandra Popp (85)
Foord (85)
Girelli (85)
Granit Xhaka (85)
Giugliano (85)
Svenja Huth (85)
Vivianne Miedema (85)
Kim Little (85)
Caroline Weir (85)
Damaris Egurrola (84)
Bradley Barcola (84), Ligue 1 requirement
Expected SBC Cost
The overall estimated cost of this SBC is around 55,000 FC 26 Coins. While not unaffordable, it is considered slightly overpriced given Tagliafico's current performance value within the FC 26 meta. Compared to other available defenders, specifically Nuno Mendes from PSG, who costs only around 35,000 coins on the transfer market, Tagliafico falls short in terms of pure in-game capability.
For FC 26 Players who are building a Ligue 1-based defense or require an Argentine link (perhaps to support icons or nation-based chemistry builds), he may still serve a functional role. Additionally, if you anticipate his team performing well in real life, there is a possibility that he gains impactful PlayStyles that could boost his long-term usability.
Is the SBC Worth Completing
Pros:
Affordable for most squads (especially if using untradeables).
Potential future PlayStyle or Role upgrades.
Strong defensive fundamentals, good stamina and aggression.
Nation-based chemistry links (Argentina).
Cons:
Price is slightly high for his current stats.
Nuno Mendes is both cheaper and better for Ligue 1 squads.
No guaranteed stat boost, only PlayStyle updates.
If you're a strategic user of FC 26 Coins, the value depends on what kind of FC 26 Players you are:
Competitive Players: Probably better off investing in a higher-tier left-back like Mendes or aiming for a meta Icon/Thunderstruck pack.
Squad Depth Builders: Useful pickup, especially if you need chemistry links or prefer versatile defensive options.
Investors: Medium-risk move, worth considering if Lyon (Tagliafico's club) performs well.
Smart Tips
To save on the SBC cost, consider the following strategies:
Use untradeable fodder from Division Rivals/Squad Battles rewards.
Target TOTW purchases during reward times or lightning rounds.
Delay completing the SBC until after major pack releases when card prices typically dip.
Combine with Upgrade SBCs during Black Friday to generate high-rated fodder.
Final Verdict
The FC 26 Nicolas Tagliafico Thunderstruck SBC is a decent option but not essential. At 55,000 FC 26 Coins, the value is borderline, useful if you need chemistry flexibility or enjoy tactical experimentation. However, for most meta-focused FC 26 Players, the safer choice may be to skip this SBC and reserve your coins for more impactful upgrades.