EA Sports FC 26 continues expanding Season 8 Festival of Football content with the launch of the Journey of Nations North America objective set, giving Ultimate Team players the opportunity to unlock one of the most valuable free rewards currently available — a 97-rated Diego Maradona card.

Unlike shorter objectives that can be completed casually, this challenge set requires planning, squad management, and multiple lineup adjustments. However, for players willing to invest the time, the rewards make the grind more than worthwhile.

Beyond premium player cards and large coin rewards, completing the North America chapter also contributes to unlocking one of the standout cards of Season 8.

What Is the Journey of Nations North America Objective in FC 26
The Journey of Nations system is a region-based objective series introduced during Season 8 Festival of Football. Each region contributes toward broader seasonal progression, with the North America chapter playing an important role in unlocking the final premium reward.

Most importantly, completing the full objective set contributes toward earning a 97-rated Maradona, one of the highest-rated free cards available in Ultimate Team this season.

The challenge is divided into multiple stages, requiring players to switch squads strategically to complete tasks more efficiently.

Phase One Focuses on USA and Mexico Players
The opening phase is built around a squad primarily featuring United States and Mexico players.

Recommended Squad Setup

• 6 USA players
• 3 Mexico players
• 1 Brazil player
• 4-4-2 (2) formation recommended

Players can complete several objectives simultaneously during this stage, including:

• Key Objectives
• Keep a clean sheet
• Win six matches
• Earn three wins in Rivals, Champions, or Live Events
• Score Low Driven goals using USA players
• Complete through-ball assists
• Score using special player objectives

Efficient squad planning during this phase can significantly reduce overall completion time.

Canada Based Objectives Arrive in Phase Two
The second phase shifts focus toward Canadian players, requiring at least six Canadian footballers in the lineup.

Important Tasks Include

• Earn competitive mode wins
• Complete multiple assists in one match
• Score finesse goals
• Assist with lobbed through balls

Because several objectives overlap naturally, players can often complete multiple requirements during the same match.

This makes smart positioning and tactical setup important for maximizing efficiency.

Final Rush Mode Tasks Are Faster to Complete
The final section is relatively straightforward and primarily takes place in Rush mode.

Final Objectives Include

• Play using North American players
• Win matches by multiple goals
• Score team goals
• Record team assists

Since Rush matches tend to produce more attacking opportunities, many players can complete this phase within just a few games.

Journey of Nations Rewards Make the Grind Worthwhile
The North America objective chapter includes a wide variety of valuable rewards.

Major Rewards Include

• 60,000 Coins
• 100 Tokens
• Player Picks
• Evolution upgrades
• Special Path to Glory player cards

Notable player rewards include:

• Adams PTG 94
• Oluwaseyi PTG 94
• Ochoa PTG 93
• Millar PTG 92
• David Birthday 90
• Dempsey Fantasy 89
• Marquez Hero 88

For many Ultimate Team players, the 60,000 Coins alone already makes the objective worth completing, even before considering the long-term Maradona reward.

Why Completing This Objective Early Can Save Time
Because the Journey of Nations objective contributes directly toward the larger Season 8 progression system, delaying completion could make earning the 97-rated Maradona significantly harder later in the season.

Players working through Evolutions, Tokens, and squad improvements simultaneously may benefit from optimizing resources early. During major Festival of Football events, many players also choose to strengthen their Ultimate Team through additional resources such as FC 26 Points. For gamers looking to improve squad flexibility or maximize pack opportunities, some choose to buy cheap FC 26 Points from marketplaces such as heywowgold.com to support faster progression.

With premium rewards, valuable player cards, and one of the best free icons in FC 26 at stake, the Journey of Nations North America challenge could become one of the most important objectives of Season 8.