You've waited all Summer for this moment, the newest iteration of FIFA ( now EA FC 24 ) is out and you can't wait to start building your Ultimate Team. But one of the first things that have to decide, is which nation to choose for your starter pack. You have to take Argentina so you can obviously pack Messi, right? No, wait, it's gotta be France. You can build around the Mbappe and Theo Hernandez you're gonna get! Slow your roll mate. The odds of you packing anything significant from this is ridiculously slim. In fact, you actually can't. There are ZERO RARE GOLDS in the starter pack. It's still weird that this feels like such a make or break decision to start of your Ultimate Team. Anyways, let's dive into the 5 nations you should consider anyway. Let's go!
Argentina
You will NOT pack Messi, I repeat, you will NOT pack Messi. That's ok though, choosing Argentina may net you a potential starter or 2 right off the bat. Argentina is represented very well across all the major leagues, so doing SBC's won't be an issue at all. The notable Women's player from Argentina this year is Estefanía Banini, who is 79 rated RARE Gold (can't pack her) and has double 4's.
Top Argentinian Players this year: Messi, UCL Hero Carlos Tevez, ICONS Zanetti-Crespo-Riqueleme-Veron, and rounding out the top is Paulo Dybala
Brazil
If you are a Skiller, this might be your choice. Brazil boasts at least thirteen 5 Star Skillers between the men and women, that's just the RARES. I am a terrible skiller, but I always like to think I'm going to get much better with a couple 5 star skillers on my squad. While there are quite a few more top end names bearing the Brazil flag, again, it's highly unlikely you will even sniff one of them from your starter pack. Again, because you can't. The top women entering Ultimate Team from Brazil include: Debinha ( who is double 5's ) and Marta ( 5 star skills and 4 star weak foot ).
Top NON ICON Brazilian Players this season: Neymar, Vini Jr., UCL Hero Ramires, Debinha
France
Here's the thing with France; EA loves France. There are always tons of SBC's and Promo Players that are French, every year, like clockwork. How does that bode for you? Well, for one, you can assemble a pretty solid and usable French Team from Day 1. France is again well represented across the leagues, so your starter players will be super useful for SBCs.
Top NON ICON French Players this season: Mbappe, Benzema, Kadidiatou Diani, UCL Hero Sonia Bompastor
England
Picking England at the jump is always a good call because of all the potential cards you can utilize for those initial Foundations SBC's. England is always the easiest country to use when completing the early SBC's. There is nothing sexy or flashy about choosing England here. It's just your hard working, lunch pail bringing, type of choice. Of note this year is that England boasts a staggering 5 women's footballers in their top 10 rankings.
Top NON ICON English Players this season: Harry Kane, UCL Hero Alex Scott, Beth Mead, Jude Bellingham
Spain
Last but certainly not least and Champions of the Women's World Cup, Spain. Spain has the top 2 rated Women's Footballers in Alexia Putellas (91) and Aitana Bonmati (90), both who will certainly have an immediate impact in many competitive Ultimate Team squads, as well as 89 rated Mapi León, perhaps the best women's defender to start the game. Rodri gets a +2 bump this year to an 89 overall rating and Barcelona's 86 rated Pedri would be a welcome addition to any midfield. You absolutely won't pack any of these from your starter nation pack, but Spain is another solid choice when you boot up!
Top NON ICON Spanish Players this year: Putellas, Bonmati, León, Rodri
There you have it! It's obviously crystal clear which nation you should choose now. Just to give you some reassurance, it doesn't really matter at all who you choose. It's about having fun! This shouldn't be a stressful decision for you. Oh, and if you're wondering who I'm choosing; well, I've got it narrowed down to France or Spain. Wait, no, probably Brazil. Anyways, I'll report back on the 22nd that I chose England!
