As a player, your progression is all about your individual performance. Your match rating directly impacts the amount of XP you gain. Make sure to complete your manager's objectives for each match. A key new feature is the "Mentor" system, where you can pair a young player with FC 26 Coins a veteran to gain bonus XP and learn their PlayStyles.
As a manager, progression is about building a dynasty. The new "Youth Academy" system is more robust, allowing you to scout and develop young talent from around the globe. The "Managerial Style" has a bigger impact, with a choice of tactical setups that directly influence your team's on-field performance and player development. A possession-based manager will see their midfielders grow in passing, while a counter-attacking manager will see their wingers develop their pace.
These are your bread and butter for earning rewards. Playing Squad Battles against AI teams will give you a steady stream of coins and packs. Division Rivals, the online competitive mode, offers higher-tier rewards based on your performance against other players. The transfer market is your best friend. Learn to identify market trends, buy low, and sell high. A key strategy is to invest in players right after a new promo and sell them when their price rises.
EA has refined the objectives system to be more rewarding. Don't just play matches; check the seasonal and weekly objectives. These often reward valuable packs, coins, or even special Fut 26 Coins for sale player items for completing specific tasks like scoring with a certain nationality or winning matches in a specific game mode.