Following the offseason moves of numerous MLB stars to new teams, MLB The Show 26 has introduced New Threads Program, showcasing these players in their fresh uniforms.

By completing New Threads Program, you can earn several complimentary New Threads players, along with the coveted New Threads Deluxe Pack. However, these rewards aren't simply handed out - let's take a look at how you can earn them.

New Threads Program Rewards

1. 5 Points: 1,000 XP
2. 10 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack
3. 15 Points: 250 Stubs
4. 20 Points: 87 OVR New Threads Devin Williams
5. 25 Points: 1,000 XP
6. 30 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack
7. 35 Points: 250 Stubs
8. 40 Points: 87 OVR New Threads Brandon Lowe
9. 45 Points: 2,000 XP
10. 50 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack
11. 55 Points: 2,000 XP
12. 60 Points: 88 OVR New Threads Ranger Suarez
13. 65 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack
14. 70 Points: 2,000 XP
15. 75 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack (x2)
16. 80 Points: 89 OVR New Threads Dylan Cease
17. 85 Points: MLB The Show 26 pack (x2)
18. 90 Points: 2,000 XP
19. 95 Points: New Threads Deluxe Pack
20. 100 Points: 90 OVR New Threads Pete Alonso

Complimentary Players

While the rewards include some MLB The Show 26 stubs, the focus is undoubtedly on whether the free players are effective on the field.

87 OVR New Threads Devin Williams, CP / Mets

• H/9 Right: 99
• H/9 Left: 98
• K/9 Right: 108
• K/9 Left: 90
• Control: 75
• Pitch Clutch: 101
• Stamina: 24
• Velocity: 71
• Break: 99
• Stuff: 92
• HR/9: 75
• BB/9: 67

Devin Williams, the former star relief pitcher for Milwaukee Brewers, has transferred to New York Mets for the new season. His card boasts solid dominance: a 108 K/9 against right-handed batters and 90 against lefties. His pitch repertoire includes a screwball, splitter, and cutter.

The issue lies in the similar velocities of his splitter and cutter, and he lacks the signature changeup and slider he was known for during his Brewers tenure. As a result, this card may not replicate the dominance of his peak versions, but it still stands as an effective arm out of the bullpen.

87 OVR New Threads Brandon Lowe, 2B / Pirates

• Contact Right: 94
• Contact Left: 64
• Power Right: 106
• Power Left: 80
• Vision: 66
• Discipline: 51
• Clutch: 93
• Bunt: 35
• Drag Bunt: 25
• Durability: 91

Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered their roster by bringing in Brandon Lowe. This card has a very distinct profile: it features powerful hitting stats of 94/106 against right-handed pitchers, but its effectiveness drops noticeably when facing lefties. While you could theoretically offset its weaknesses with various boosts, this card likely won't be a permanent fixture in your lineup.

88 OVR New Threads Ranger Suarez, SP / Red Sox

• H/9 Right: 70
• H/9 Left: 91
• K/9 Right: 73
• K/9 Left: 90
• Control: 73
• Pitch Clutch: 73
• Stamina: 92
• Velocity: 70
• Break: 99
• Stuff: 80
• HR/9: 36
• BB/9: 90

Ranger Suarez allows 9 hits per nine innings (H/9) against right-handed batters, a rather poor statistic. This becomes a significant disadvantage against the switch hitters who remain prevalent in the current game. His performance against left-handed batters is much stronger, but his overall velocity is low, and he lacks an effective changeup. Overall, it's difficult for him to be considered a top-tier starting pitcher.

89 OVR New Threads Dylan Cease, SP / Blue Jays

• H/9 Right: 84
• H/9 Left: 82
• K/9 Right: 97
• K/9 Left: 92
• Control: 67
• Pitch Clutch: 83
• Stamina: 87
• Velocity: 99
• Break: 99
• Stuff: 83
• HR/9: 63
• BB/9: 65

Dylan Cease features two types of fastballs and three breaking balls, but lacks a changeup or any off-speed offering. More critically, the velocities of his curveball and slider are very similar, making his pitches easier for opponents to read. While his H/9 and control ratings are respectable, the limitations in his pitch mix prevent him from reaching the elite tier of starting pitchers.

90 OVR New Threads Pete Alonso, 1B / Orioles

• Contact Right: 97
• Contact Left: 72
• Power Right: 100
• Power Left: 85
• Vision: 70
• Discipline: 62
• Clutch: 102
• Bunt: 35
• Drag Bunt: 25
• Durability: 99

Pete Alonso is a quintessential power-hitting right-handed batter, boasting excellent contact and power ratings of 97 and 100 respectively against right-handed pitching. While his contact drops against lefties (72), his power remains a solid 85. As a first baseman, his defensive abilities aren't the primary concern. This card features a smooth swing and multiple Quirks, making it a likely cornerstone for many lineups and one of the top rewards in this program.

How to Make Progress？

You'll need to complete various tasks to earn points, or Stars, to unlock rewards. There are multiple ways to accumulate points. As long as you're willing to invest some time, reaching all the rewards is not difficult.

Moments

Complete 12 Moments: 60 points total, 5 points each.

Missions

• Pitch 21 innings with any pitcher(s) (5 points)
• Accumulate 38 total bases with any player(s) (5 points)
• Accumulate 18 extra-base hits with any player(s) (5 points)
• Hit 9 home runs with any player(s) (5 points)
• Accumulate 2,000 PXP with New Threads players (5 points)
• Accumulate 4,000 PXP with New Threads players (5 points)
• Accumulate 6,000 PXP with New Threads players (10 points)

BONUS XP Missions

Earning 500 PXP with each of the following players will grant 5 points:

• Devin Williams
• Ranger Suarez
• Dylan Cease
• Pete Alonso
• Nolan Arenado
• Edwin Diaz
• Kenley Jansen
• Alex Bregman
• Eugenio Suarez
• Kazuma Okamoto
• Luis Arraez
• Willson Contreras
• Owen Caissie

New Threads Player Collection

Collecting the following 88 OVR New Threads players will award 30 points:

• Marcus Semien
• Cedric Mullins
• Sonny Gray
• Framber Valdez
• Nick Castellanos

Collecting the following 90 OVR New Threads players will award 70 points:

• Tatsuya Imai
• Taylor Ward
• Jorge Polanco

It's recommended not to go out of your way to acquire these player cards at high costs just to complete these collections. If you happen to have them, use them to finish the tasks. If not, feel free to skip them, as Moments and tasks alone provide enough progress to reach the end of the program.

That concludes the overview of MLB The Show 26 New Threads Program. Hopefully, you'll secure the players from your favorite teams.

FC 26 Festival of Football: Answer the Call promo, held to celebrate the new World Cup, is set to conclude this Friday. With barely a moment's rest, the new Road to the Final (RTTF) promo will launch immediately thereafter!

This promo is also designed to celebrate real-world football competitions; so if you are a fan of the featured players or simply enjoy watching the matches, this is an event you absolutely do not want to miss!

Road to the Final release date

The promo will go live this Friday, March 27th, adhering to the standard FC 26 game update schedule. As it features only a single squad release, the event will run for just one week, concluding on April 3rd.

RTTF overview

Road to the Final is a recurring annual event that has taken place almost every year since FIFA 19.

Its purpose is to celebrate the knockout stages of UEFA Champions League, UEFA Women's Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Europa Conference League by releasing limited-edition player cards.

During the competition period, RTTF player cards replace the corresponding players' standard base cards. Subsequently, if a player's team advances in the actual real-world tournament, their RTTF card will receive upgrades to its overall rating and stats.

It is worth noting that even if a player selected for Road to the Final promo does not personally participate in a match for any reason, their RTTF item remains active and eligible for upgrades, provided they do not transfer clubs mid-event and their team continues to advance in the competition.

Road to the Final Squad in FIFA 26

The players selected for this event are categorized into two groups: the first consists of players whose cards can be unlocked only by opening packs and pulling them via the drawing.

The second consists of players available as specific rewards for completing designated SBCs or Objectives.

Team 1：

• GK - Diogo Costa - OVR 91
• RB - Nahuel Molina - OVR 90
• RB - Andrei Rațiu - OVR 90
• CB - Piero Hincapié - OVR 91
• CB - Irene Paredes - OVR 90
• CB - Ingrid Syrstad Engen - OVR 89
• CB - Lucas Beraldo - OVR 88
• CB - Carl Starfelt - OVR 88
• CB - Chris Richards - OVR 90
• LB - Ricardo Rodríguez - OVR 88
• LB - Sara Holmgaard - OVR 88
• CDM - Ryan Yates - OVR 91
• CM - Aurélien Tchouaméni - OVR 92
• CM - Alexis Mac Allister - OVR 91
• CM - Vicky López - OVR 90
• CAM - Jamal Musiala - OVR 92
• CAM - Frida Maanum - OVR 89
• CAM - Morgan Gibbs-White - OVR 90
• CAM - Yuito Suzuki - OVR 88
• CAM - Teun Koopmeiners - OVR 90
• CAM - Orbelín Pineda - OVR 89
• CAM - Ismaïla Sarr - OVR 90
• CAM - Sebastian Nanasi - OVR 89
• RM - Johanna Kaneryd - OVR 89
• RM - Federico Bernardeschi - OVR 91
• RM - Víctor Gómez - OVR 90
• RM - Jack Harrison - OVR 90
• RM - Pedrinho - OVR 88
• RW - Mohamed Salah - OVR 93
• RW - Désiré Doué - OVR 92
• RW - Naomie Feller - OVR 88
• LM - Klara Bühl - OVR 92
• LM - Maximiliano Araújo - OVR 88
• LW - Jadon Sancho - OVR 90
• ST - Kylian Mbappé - OVR 93
• ST - Marcus Rashford - OVR 92
• ST - Alexander Sørloth - OVR 91
• ST - Thijs Dallinga - OVR 90
• ST - Troy Parrott - OVR 91
• ST - Armindo Sieb - OVR 90
• ST - Elisabeth Terland - OVR 90

SBC and Objective Rewards:

• RB - Konrad Laimer - OVR 90
• CB - Pau Cubarsí - OVR 91
• CAM - Eberechi Eze - OVR 91

How to obtain RTTF cards?

First, special card rewards can only be obtained by participating in SBCs and Objectives released over the coming week. These events are updated almost daily; in addition to individual player cards, the rewards also include card packs.

Card packs serve as a primary method for acquiring Team 1 players. While they appear as in-game rewards, you can also unlock additional packs in the in-game store by consuming FC 26 coins.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to rely on luck and wish to acquire specific RTTF player items you desire as quickly as possible within the limited timeframe, you can wait for the optimal moment to get them on the transfer market.

How to participate in SBCs and Objectives?

As one of the most important daily activities, SBCs require you to assemble a squad that meets various specific criteria, such as including a certain number of players from the same country or club, or achieving a specific total chemistry rating.

As for Objectives, they are primarily categorized into long-term Objectives (which can be completed at any time) and limited-time Objectives (which change with each new season update).

It is worth noting that some Objectives require you to complete a specific number of SBCs; therefore, you can plan ahead by keeping an eye on upcoming tasks to maximize your efficiency through smart scheduling.

Card upgrade tips

All FUT 26 RTTF items launch with ratings and stats that are superior to standard player cards. Subsequently, these items undergo a unified stat update every Friday evening, following the conclusion of the corresponding real-world match fixtures. The specific upgrade effects are as follows:

UEFA Men's Champions League / Europa League / Conference League:

• Win/Draw in the Round of 16: +1 OVR
• Qualify for the Quarter-Finals: +1 OVR, +1 Role++
• Qualify for the Semi-Finals: +1 OVR, +1 SM or WF
• Qualify for the Final: +1 PS+ (+2 PS+ if the player currently possesses only 1 PS+)
• Win the Final: +1 OVR (or 96 OVR), +5 SM or WF

UEFA Women's Champions League:

• Win/Draw in the 1st Quarter-Finals match: +1 OVR
• Qualify for the Semi-Finals: +1 OVR, +1 Role++
• Win/Draw in the 1st Semi-Finals match: +1 OVR, +1 SM or WF
• Qualify for the Final: +1 PS+ (+2 PS+ if the player currently possesses only 1 PS+)
• Win the Final: +1 OVR (or 96 OVR), +5 SM or WF

In addition to the above, these limited-edition players will also be eligible for an additional upgrade mechanism based on their team's performance in their first match.

If a specific player card is released after the conclusion of their team's first knockout stage match, its first match upgrade outcome will instead depend on the results of the next knockout stage match.

Road to the Final is just around the corner! If there are any coveted Answer the Call cards you have yet to acquire, be sure to make a final push to get them before the last day ends! Good luck!