Build A Soccer Squad Cup Players (105+ OVR)
A guide to 105+ OVR Cup Players in Build A Soccer Squad: how to unlock them by winning 5 cups, how they compare to Prime and captains, and post-nerf notes.
Cup Players are the newest top-tier cards in Build A Soccer Squad - 105+ OVR standouts earned by winning cups, not bought from a shop. They sit above Prime players (100+ OVR) and compete with captains as end-game goals. This guide explains how to unlock them and whether they are worth the grind.
What Cup Players are
The July 2026 Cup Mode update added Cup Players: elite cards rated 105+ OVR that reward tournament success. Unlike Prime players from the hourly shop or captains from squad completion, Cup Players require winning 5 cup tournaments in Cup Mode.
That makes them the most skill-gated high-OVR cards in the game - you need both a strong squad and consistent cup wins.
How to unlock Cup Players
- Build to 93 OVR. Cup Mode requires a 93 OVR or higher squad to enter. Use chemistry, captains, and Prime purchases to reach the threshold.
- Enter Cup Mode. Compete in tournaments with your best linked eleven.
- Win cups. Each tournament victory counts toward your total.
- Hit 5 wins. After your fifth cup win, you unlock access to 105+ OVR Cup standout cards.
Full tournament tips: Cup Mode guide.
Cup Players vs other elite cards
| Card type | OVR range | How to get |
|---|---|---|
| Captains (2026) | 99 OVR | Complete full 2026 squad |
| Premium Captains (2002) | Captain tier | Complete select 2002 squad |
| Prime players | 100+ OVR | Hourly shop purchase |
| Cup Players | 105+ OVR | Win 5 cups |
Cup Players are the highest flat OVR earnable through gameplay. They are ideal for players who enjoy Cup Mode and want a reward beyond collection milestones.
Post-nerf notes
A follow-up minor patch nerfed Cup Players. Important detail from the official notes: Saved Best Teams keep their old OVR. If you saved a strong squad before the nerf, your Cup entry rating and locked lineup are unchanged.
New Cup Player cards obtained after the nerf reflect the updated balance. Check the updates hub for any further balance changes.
Tips for faster cup wins
- Maximize chemistry - linked squads outperform random high-OVR teams in tournaments.
- Use the 2x Rewards Pass - doubles cup winnings and speeds overall progression.
- Redeem event codes - codes like DOUBLE boost reward weekends; see active codes.
- Farm quest rerolls - quests now grant Rerolls and Refreshes for squad upgrades between cups.
Keep building
- Cup Mode guide - tournament entry and strategy.
- Captains list - 2026 and Premium 2002 captains.
- Prime players - plug gaps while you grind cups.
- Best players - supporting cards by position.
New here? The beginner guide gets you to 93 OVR faster, and the updates hub tracks every balance patch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
What are Cup Players in Build A Soccer Squad?
Cup Players are standout 105+ OVR cards unlocked after winning 5 cups in Cup Mode tournaments.
How do I unlock Cup Players?
Win 5 cup tournaments in Cup Mode. You need a squad rated 93 OVR or higher to enter cups in the first place.
Are Cup Players better than Prime players?
Cup Players start at 105+ OVR, higher than the 100+ OVR Prime shop offers. They require competitive wins, not currency.
Were Cup Players nerfed?
Yes, in a minor July 2026 patch. Saved Best Teams keep their old OVR, so existing locked squads were not downgraded.