FC 25: Complete Guide to the Wharton Showdown SBC
A new challenge has arrived in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team—the Wharton Showdown SBC. This Squad Building Challenge introduces a powerful special card for Crystal Palace's standout defensive midfielder, just in time for the highly anticipated FA Cup final against Manchester City. Whether you're building a Premier League squad or just looking to stock your club with interesting players, this SBC offers a solid option—but it's not without caveats.
So, should you invest your FIFA 25 Coins into completing it? Let's break down the card, the cost, and the cheapest solutions available for FC 25 players.
Wharton Showdown SBC Overview
The Wharton Showdown card is not quite a meta-breaking addition, but still boasts a well-rounded profile. While it may not make the starting eleven in most competitive squads, it does hold value for fans of Crystal Palace, England national team-themed lineups, or collectors building full FC 25 player sets.
Let's take a closer look at the attributes:
Pace: 91
Shooting: 82
Passing: 92
Dribbling: 92
Defending: 88
Physical: 90
The card also features a stacked list of PlayStyles:
Incisive Pass+
Anticipate+
Long Ball Pass
Jockey
Block
Intercept
Slide Tackle
Bruiser
First Touch
Press Proven
For in-game roles, it can function effectively as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box contributor thanks to:
Deep-Lying Playmaker++
Box-To-Box+
Holding+
Playmaker+
While it lacks some of the top-tier traits that define the very best midfielders in FC 25, Wharton still offers versatility and quality that can't be ignored.
How Much Does It Cost
Completing the Wharton Showdown SBC will set you back around 86,000 FIFA 25 Coins. For a card that isn't quite elite-tier, this puts it on the pricier side, especially when other SBCs or transferable FC 25 players offer better value for fewer coins.
That said, if you're a collector, club loyalist, or simply looking to complete as many showdown cards as possible, you'll want to know the cheapest way to get this done.
SBC Requirements and Cheapest Solutions
To unlock the Wharton Showdown card, you'll need to complete three squads. Here's what each one requires:
1. England Segment
Requirements:
Minimum 1 English player
Minimum Team Rating: 85
Reward: Gold Pack
Estimated Cost: Around 25,000 FIFA 25 Coins
Tips: Use untradeable 85-rated fodder and build around a cheap English 85+ player like Mason Mount or Jordan Pickford.
2. Premier League Segment
Requirements:
Minimum 1 Premier League player
Minimum Team Rating: 86
Reward: Small Gold Players Pack
Estimated Cost: Around 30,000 FIFA 25 Coins
Tips: Look for budget-friendly 86-rated Premier League options such as Kai Havertz or Cristian Romero. Balance your squad with 84-85 rated cards to bring the price down.
3. Top Form Segment
Requirements:
Minimum 1 TOTS or Team of the Week player
Minimum Team Rating: 86
Reward: Premium Gold Pack
Estimated Cost: Around 31,000 FIFA 25 Coins
Tips: Use a cheap TOTW card—players like TOTW Min-jae or TOTS-rated defenders from lesser leagues are cost-effective solutions. Combine with high-rated untradeables from your club if available.
Is the Wharton Showdown SBC Worth It
From a competitive standpoint, the card isn't likely to break into most end-game squads. Many FC 25 players will already have a deep midfield roster filled with more dominant and meta-relevant options. However, for fans of Crystal Palace, England-themed squads, or SBC collectors, Wharton offers a solid, if unspectacular, upgrade.
Another consideration is the FA Cup final itself. Showdown cards are dynamic and can receive upgrades based on the outcome of the real-life match. If Palace pulls off a win or draws the game (depending on EA's upgrade conditions), this card could become far more valuable post-SBC.
Final Verdict
If you have excess fodder and are sitting on a good stockpile of FIFA 25 Coins, completing the Wharton Showdown SBC can be a fun and satisfying club-building project. However, for FC 25 Players looking to maximize coin efficiency or prioritize only top-tier talent, you might want to skip this one.
That said, you do get a trio of reward packs as a bonus, some of which may help you replenish your club or even earn back some value in the form of tradable players or consumables.
Bottom Line
Pros:
Well-rounded stats for a midfielder
Great PlayStyles and roles
FA Cup final dynamic upgrade potential
Fun option for theme teams
Cons:
Not a meta card
86k FIFA 25 Coins is steep for a non-elite option
Better value found in other FC 25 players or SBCs
Recommended For:
Crystal Palace fans
SBC collectors
Players with excess fodder
Unless you're emotionally invested in the club or the FA Cup showdown, this SBC may be more about passion than practicality.