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0Mateo Retegui Cornerstones SBC Review in EA FC 26
Logan Rogers
The Cornerstones promo is the brand-new early campaign event in EA FC 26, and it’s already shaking things up with unique upgraded cards. Among them is Mateo Retegui (ST, 85 OVR), who arrives as an SBC option for a modest cost. Coming in at an estimated 10,750 coins to complete with just two challenges, Retegui looks like a low-risk, early-game striker who can slot into squads needing a physical presence up front. The SBC is live until October 4, 2025, giving players a full week to decide if he’s worth it.
At first glance, the Italian forward offers a balanced blend of finishing, strength, and passing, which can be appealing to those building hybrids or experimenting with the Saudi League. However, this isn’t the type of card that will transform your squad. He’s serviceable, he’s affordable, and he’ll certainly score goals, but he’s missing the flair and elite traits that define the very best attackers in Ultimate Team. Let’s break him down section by section to see where he stands in the early FC 26 meta.
Pace
Retegui’s pace rating of 86 overall (81 acceleration and 85 sprint speed) is respectable for the start of the game. He won’t win every footrace against elite defenders, but he’s quick enough to get separation when running onto through balls or working around the box. The acceleration could feel a bit sluggish compared to top-tier meta forwards, yet once he hits stride, he has enough pace to remain competitive. In the context of early-game squads, that’s usually all you need.
The real key to making his pace work is pairing it with his finishing. Retegui isn’t built for wide runs or isolating fullbacks; he’s much more effective when played centrally and timed into dangerous positions. That makes him more of a Target Forward++ or Advanced Forward+ striker rather than an out-and-out sprinter. If you rely heavily on counterattacks, you’ll want to be cautious, as his lack of blistering acceleration will be exposed.
Shooting
Shooting is clearly the highlight of Retegui’s card, with 91 finishing, 88 shot power, and 89 positioning. Inside the box, he is extremely reliable. He has that classic poacher feel get him the ball in space, and he’ll do the rest. Volleys at 83 and penalties at 80 also give him more utility, making him versatile in different scoring scenarios. If you need someone to simply put away chances, Retegui can do that job consistently.
The weakness, however, lies in his lack of long-range threat. With just 78 long shots, Retegui isn’t a striker who will smash screamers from outside the area. His role is limited to finishing chances within 18 yards, which makes him predictable against high-level opponents. That said, his Low Driven Shot PlayStyle does help him capitalize in tighter situations, giving him more variety when finishing under pressure.
Passing
Surprisingly, Retegui has very good passing for a striker, with 95 short passing and 78 long passing. This means he can link play effectively, especially in quick one-twos or when feeding overlapping runs. Vision at 81 and curve at 82 also help him create simple but effective chances for teammates. While not a natural creator, his ability to keep possession moving makes him a viable False 9+ role player.
In practice, this allows him to drop deep and connect midfield to attack, which can be extremely useful if you’re running a two-striker setup. Many strikers at this rating level can feel selfish or one-dimensional, but Retegui offers a little more versatility. He won’t thread defense-splitting passes like a CAM, but his passing is good enough to avoid sloppy turnovers and keep the rhythm of play intact.
Dribbling
Dribbling is one of the more underwhelming parts of Retegui’s game. On paper, 84 dribbling looks serviceable, but when broken down, the flaws become clear. With 74 agility and 70 balance, he can feel stiff when trying to turn in tight spaces. This makes him far less dangerous in one-on-one situations compared to meta dribblers. However, his 89 ball control and 86 reactions help him stay composed when receiving the ball in crowded areas.
The First Touch PlayStyle helps mask some of his shortcomings, as it ensures he controls the ball well when receiving passes. Still, don’t expect him to glide past defenders with fluid movement. Retegui is best used in situations where he can control the ball, lay it off, or take a quick shot, rather than dribbling his way through an entire backline.
Physicality
Physical attributes are one of Retegui’s best assets. With 95 strength, he can body defenders and hold up play with ease, especially when used in a Target Forward++ role. His 86 stamina means he can last a full match without fading, which is invaluable for strikers who are constantly pressing or making forward runs. The 86 jumping also makes him a strong aerial threat on crosses.
His 73 aggression is a bit low, which means he won’t always fight relentlessly for second balls. However, he’s still a dominant physical presence who can bully weaker defenders. Combined with his Enforcer PlayStyle, Retegui is well-equipped to handle the rougher side of the game, offering a nice contrast to smaller, pace-driven forwards.
Weak Foot & Skill Moves
This is where the card shows its biggest limitations. Retegui is stuck with a 3★ weak foot and 3★ skill moves, which heavily restricts his versatility. In FC 26, where attackers with 4★/5★ combinations dominate the meta, this makes him predictable and easier to shut down. He can still score goals, but he’ll be far less effective against organized defenses.
For players who rely on flashy skill chains or unpredictability in front of goal, Retegui simply won’t cut it. He feels best when kept simple: receive, shoot, score. That can be effective, but in the long run, it prevents him from keeping pace with the evolving power curve of Ultimate Team.
Player Roles & PlayStyles
Retegui’s design leans into classic striker roles. He fits comfortably as an Advanced Forward+, using his finishing and positioning to constantly threaten in the box. As a False 9+, he can also link play effectively thanks to his high short passing, making him an asset in systems where strikers drop deeper. His best role, however, is as a Target Forward++, where his physicality and aerial presence shine brightest.
He comes with PlayStyles that reflect this versatility: Precision Header, Low Driven Shot, First Touch, and Enforcer. These traits give him a solid toolkit, but none of them elevate him into elite territory. Unlike other Cornerstones cards, which feel like game-changers, Retegui is more of a reliable option rather than a meta-breaking one.
Verdict
The Mateo Retegui Cornerstones SBC is a mixed bag. At just 10,750 coins, it’s one of the cheapest SBCs you’ll find this early in the cycle, making it tempting to complete. He’s strong, clinical, and affordable a solid striker for budget squads or those experimenting with Italian or Saudi League hybrids.
But when you compare him to other strikers in the game, he falls short. His limited weak foot and skill moves make him predictable, his dribbling is clunky, and he lacks the explosive edge of higher-tier promo cards. In short, he’s a decent card, but nowhere near a must-complete option.
Final Rating: 4/10 Good value for coins, but not a game-changer. Retegui can do a job in early squads, but if you’re chasing elite attackers, there are far better options coming soon.
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 Promo: Full Team List, Top Players & Ratings Revealed
