FPL Challenge 2026/27 Explained: Rules, Teams, Deadlines and Rank Badges

The short answer

FPL Challenge is a separate Fantasy game where you build a fresh team every Gameweek.

Each round has a special scoring or squad rule. The opening 2026/27 event, The Kick Off, uses six-player teams and introduces a different challenge across the first five Gameweeks.

FPL vs FPL Challenge

First five challenges

For GW2 and GW4, the club limit increases to three for the clubs involved.

Which formations can you use?

The opening six-a-side event uses one goalkeeper plus five outfield players. Available shapes include:

• 1-2-2
• 2-1-2
• 2-2-1
• 3-1-1
• 1-3-1
• 1-1-3

How player locks work

There is no single lock for your full team.

A player locks when their club's first match of the Gameweek kicks off. You can still change players whose clubs have not started.

That makes fixture order important. Check OneFPL Fixtures before finalising later picks.

What are rank badges?

After completing five Gameweeks, managers receive a rank badge.

The official game has eight levels, from Bronze to Legend, with five stars of progress inside each badge. Legend is reserved for managers in the top one per cent.

Best way to play

1. Read the special rule first.
2. Target players who benefit from the multiplier.
3. Confirm the club limit.
4. Use later team news before later players lock.
5. Rebuild from scratch next Gameweek.

Use the OneFPL Player Lab and Team News to research the players, then select them in the official Challenge game.

OneFPL verdict

Do not simply copy your normal FPL team.

FPL Challenge rewards weekly optimisation around the special rule.

Sources

• Official FPL Challenge launch and first five challenges
• Official FPL Challenge game