EFootball 2026 Epic National Stars 2018 (Kompany, Varane, Benatia) Pack: Review, Best Progression Builds, and Skills

Why It Matters

The pack reshapes the defensive meta, giving players high‑tier, low‑cost options that can dominate aerial and ground duels, influencing team building and competitive rankings in eFootball 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Kompany debut as Epic Destroyer with Aerial Fort and Long Reach Tackle
• Varane's Fortress skill boosts ground defending, replaces Aerial Fort
• Benatia offers strong aerial presence but lower player ID limits elite status
• Recommended skill combos focus on sliding tackle, passing, and defensive boosters
• Progression builds allocate points to dexterity, lower body, and aerial strength

Pulse Analysis

Konami’s eFootball 2026 continues to refine its Epic card system, and the National Stars 2018 pack is a clear example of that evolution. By revisiting the 2018 World Cup’s defensive standouts, the pack delivers three centre‑backs that each cater to distinct tactical preferences. Kompany arrives as a first‑time Epic option, blending towering height with the Destroyer playstyle, while Varane’s upgraded version swaps aerial dominance for the Fortress skill, emphasizing ground duels. Benatia, though less celebrated, provides a balanced blend of aerial strength and aggressive defending, making the pack a well‑rounded defensive toolkit for both casual and competitive players.

In the current eFootball meta, defensive solidity is paramount, especially in ranked modes where goal‑conceding margins decide outcomes. Kompany’s Aerial Fort and Long Reach Tackle give him a near‑unrivaled edge in set‑piece battles, a frequent source of goals in the game. Varane’s Fortress transforms his defending stats during key moments, allowing him to neutralize dribblers and through‑ball specialists, a valuable counter to the meta’s fast‑paced attackers. Benatia’s strong aerial profile complements teams that rely on high‑line pressing, ensuring crosses are contested effectively. Together, these cards enable builders to craft backlines that can adapt to both aerial and ground threats without sacrificing pace.

Strategically, the review’s suggested skill sets—sliding tackle, one‑touch passing, weighted passes, and defensive boosters—maximise each player’s core strengths while mitigating weaknesses such as Kompany’s limited mobility. The progression point allocations prioritize dexterity, lower‑body strength, and aerial strength, reflecting the attributes that drive defensive performance in eFootball 2026. For long‑term value, acquiring this pack early can provide a cost‑effective upgrade path, as the cards remain relevant across future updates and seasonal balance changes. Players who integrate these defenders into their squads are likely to see immediate improvements in clean‑sheet rates and overall defensive resilience.