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0David Hancko Cornerstones SBC Review in EA SPORT FC 26
Logan Rogers
The Cornerstones promo continues to deliver exciting early-game content in EA FC 26, and this time it’s David Hancko (LB/CB, 85 OVR) stepping into the spotlight. Available via SBC for an estimated 62,000 coins, Hancko is one of the most flexible defensive options you can add to your squad right now. With four challenges to complete and the SBC running until October 10, 2025, managers have a bit of time to decide whether this card is worth the grind.
At first glance, Hancko offers something many early Ultimate Team defenders lack: pace, strength, and defensive reliability combined with positional versatility. He can operate as a centre-back, left-back, or even left-mid, giving him a unique edge when building hybrids. For the price, he looks like one of the more valuable SBCs of this promo, and his overall package makes him a smart addition to any squad chasing defensive stability.
Pace
Hancko’s 80 pace (79 acceleration and 80 sprint speed) stands out for a centre-back this early in the game. Unlike slower defenders who can easily get burned by pacey strikers, Hancko has just enough speed to recover and stick with attackers. This makes him a reliable option for those who like to play a high defensive line, knowing he can cover space behind.
As a left-back, his pace is decent but not elite, meaning he won’t be bombing up and down the flank like some attacking fullbacks. Instead, he thrives more as a defensive-minded option who can hold his line and cut out wide runs. While his speed isn’t game-breaking, it’s a massive upgrade compared to most standard gold CBs available in FC 26 right now.
Defensive Ability
This is where Hancko earns his value. With a massive 88 defending overall, his numbers are outstanding for this stage of the game. His 92 slide tackle, 88 stand tackle, and 88 defensive awareness make him a rock at the back. Add 85 interceptions and he’s one of the most reliable early defenders at cutting out passes and shutting down attacking plays.
On top of that, his 88 heading accuracy makes him a force in the air, both defensively and offensively on set pieces. Combined with his Jockey and Anticipate PlayStyles, Hancko feels like the type of defender who can read the game and make crucial interventions before attackers even get their shot off. Simply put, his defensive numbers are elite for an 85-rated SBC card.
Physicality
Hancko’s 85 physicality ensures he can go toe-to-toe with the strongest strikers. With 90 strength and 80 aggression, he’s built to dominate duels and win 50/50 battles. His 88 jumping also allows him to contest aerial balls effectively, which is a huge plus given his ability to slot in as a CB.
Stamina at 77 isn’t amazing, but it’s serviceable enough for a defender who isn’t expected to constantly overlap and sprint forward. If you keep him primarily as a CB, you won’t notice the lower stamina too much. Overall, Hancko’s physical stats round him out as a balanced, powerful defender who can bully attackers and hold his ground.
Passing & Dribbling
For a defender, Hancko has solid ball-playing attributes. With 82 short passing and 78 long passing, he can comfortably recycle possession or start quick transitions from the back. His Precision Pass PlayStyle enhances this further, making him especially reliable when playing out of pressure.
Dribbling-wise, his 79 overall dribbling looks serviceable, boosted by 91 reactions and 83 ball control. While his 68 balance holds him back a little, he feels steady enough when in possession. He won’t glide past players, but he won’t lose the ball easily either, an important quality for a ball-playing CB.
Player Roles & PlayStyles
Hancko’s versatility is one of his biggest selling points. He can slot into multiple roles depending on how you set up your defense:
CB Defender+ – Reliable in a traditional centre-back role, strong in duels.
CB Ball-Playing Defender++ – Uses his passing to launch attacks and retain possession.
LB Falseback+ – Tucks inside to support midfield, useful in tactical systems.
LB Fullback++ – Defensive fullback role, prioritizing strength and positioning over attack.
His PlayStyles Precision Pass, Long Ball Pass, Jockey, Anticipate, and Slide Tackle make him versatile across all these roles. They ensure he can read the game, distribute effectively, and dominate in defensive situations, which is exactly what you want in a cornerstone defender.
Verdict
The David Hancko Cornerstones SBC is one of the best-value defensive SBCs we’ve seen in EA FC 26 so far. At 62,000 coins, he’s affordable compared to many promo defenders and offers incredible defensive stats, strong physical presence, and valuable positional flexibility. While he isn’t blisteringly fast or skillful, he doesn’t need to be; he’s built to defend first, and he does that brilliantly.
If you need a dependable, meta-relevant defender who can play both centrally and out wide, Hancko is absolutely worth completing. He’s cheap, consistent, and reliable exactly what you want when building your squad early in the game cycle.
Final Rating: 8/10 A fantastic early-game defender who offers excellent value for coins. He won’t break the game like some high-end meta CBs, but as far as Cornerstones go, Hancko is a smart and affordable investment.
We will share more updates on FC 26 in separate articles. If you found this information helpful or would like to learn more, please explore the other articles on our site.
EA FC 26 Cornerstones Team 2 is Live – Full Squad, Ratings, and Market Impact
Mastering the 4-2-3-1 Wide Formation in FC 26: Best Custom Tactics and Player Roles
