Maccabi Tel Aviv's Leo Varela Earns Unique EA FC26 Card Ahead of World Cup Clash with Argentina

Leo Varela, midfielder for Maccabi Tel Aviv, has made history as the first player from the Israeli Premier League to score in a World Cup, netting a crucial goal for Cape Verde in their 2-2 group stage draw against Uruguay at the 2026 tournament. This achievement has earned him a special player card in the popular video game EA FC26, marking a first for any player while active in the Israeli league.

The exclusive card is available through the Squad Building Challenges (SBC) mode in Ultimate Team, requiring players to assemble a virtual squad with a high average rating (90 and two squads of 89), which can cost over 84,000 in-game coins. This card is part of the SHOWDOWN series, released ahead of major matches, and corresponds to the upcoming round of 32 game between Cape Verde and Argentina.

In this matchup, Varela represents Cape Verde while Argentina is represented by Exequiel Palacios. Players can predict the match outcome to earn the card, which will be upgraded based on the real game's result: a draw adds one point to each card, while a win grants the victorious team's player card a three-point rating boost and an additional special ability. Varela's card currently boasts a 93 rating out of 99, with standout stats including 97 speed, 93 dribbling, 92 shooting, and 90 physicality, plus five-star weak foot and three special skills.

Previously, two other Israeli Premier League players, Christian Martinez from Kiryat Shmona and former Maccabi Haifa player Frantzi Piero, also received special World Cup cards in the Path To Glory edition. Varela's unique recognition highlights his rising profile both on the field and in the gaming community as Cape Verde prepares to face Lionel Messi's Argentina in a pivotal knockout match.