Are there any fans of EA here who are eagerly counting down the days until the next instalment in the series is released? If so, we have great news!

EA SPORTS FC 26 is set to launch on 26 September 2025, and those who purchase the Ultimate Edition will enjoy early access.

Contrary to what you might think, this instalment brings a lot of new features to the table. EA has made fundamental FC 26 changes, overhauling the EA Sports FC 26 gameplay and revamping the modes with fresh ideas.

If you’re curious about all the details, including FC 26 new features, the EA Sports FC 26 Career Mode update, and FC 26 Ultimate Team upgrades, read on!

EA Sports FC 26 Gameplay Updates

EA has decided to introduce two new game modes that change the way matches are played completely. The first, Competitive mode, is a fast-paced and dynamic variant in which lightning-fast reflexes, counterattacks and precise passing are key. This mode will appeal to fans of intense, offensive competition.

EA SPORTS FC 26 | Official Gameplay Deep Dive

Those who prefer a slower pace can enjoy the Authentic mode. Here, the emphasis is on a realistic representation of the match, with proper positioning of defenders, positional play and natural player reactions. This variant makes matches more tactical, giving players the feeling that they are on a real pitch.

Focusing on realism, the new EA Sports FC 26 gameplay offers several important improvements such as:

  • more precise ball control,
  • enhanced dribbling capabilities,
  • improved animations,
  • better goalkeeper reactions,
  • natural reactions of AI-controlled players.

The introduction of these two modes allows you to recreate a real match and gives players complete freedom to choose their playing style. With this, they can decide whether to play fast and offensive football or focus on a slow, tactical pace, adjusting the gameplay to their preferences.

Modes Revamped

As we mentioned, EA has significantly improved the game by changing the most frequently used elements. Therefore, the latest EA Sports FC 26 changes affect the most popular modes such as Career Mode, Football Ultimate Team (FUT), and Clubs.

Career Mode

In Career Mode, the developers have focused on making seasons more realistic and unpredictable.

They introduced dynamic challenges inspired by real football situations, as well as a coaching market that allows for new tactics and unpredictable events, such as injuries or financial problems.

EA SPORTS FC 26 | Official Career Deep Dive

These features ensure that each season is unique, keeping players entertained and guaranteeing that they will always have new challenges and adventures to look forward to.

Football Ultimate Team (FUT)

Various changes have been made to FUT to improve balance, the pace of team development, and rewards. To achieve this, EA has slowed down progression in the Power Curve, enabling players to build their squads at a more relaxed pace.

To give players more control over their team’s development, EA has introduced a 3/6/9 Chemistry Styles system, which places more emphasis on tactics and selecting the right players.

FC 26 FUT | Image credit: EA Sports

Other interesting additions include themed seasons such as World Tour Through History, which recreate the atmosphere of famous tournaments. Additionally, players can enjoy new Live Events and the Gauntlet mode, which add variety to weekly gameplay.

Finally, to make online competition more interesting and exciting, it has been made easier to qualify for Champions and Rivals with more satisfying reward ranks.

Clubs

In Clubs mode, EA has prioritized facilitating player development and teamwork.

To make each player’s character unique on the pitch, the company has introduced an Archetype system, which allows players to earn perks and customize their skills.

Furthermore, players can now join up to three clubs simultaneously, offering greater freedom and more opportunities to play with different friends.

EA has also added variety to everyday gameplay by introducing new events and modes, including fast-paced 5v5 Rush-style matches with additional rules.

Crossplay & Platforms

Now that we know the release date and FC 26 changes, it’s worth checking that all players will be able to enjoy the new version of the game.

Of course they will! The title will be released on a wide range of platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 and Amazon Luna. This means that virtually every football fan will be able to join in that game.

FC 26 New Features – Wishlist vs Confirmed

Are competitive and authentic gameplay, manager live challenges, manager market, club archetypes, slower progression in FUT, themed seasons and a revamped Champions mode enough to satisfy a true EA fan?

Of course it is! Despite this, there is still a lot left on the wish list. Seeing the tremendous progress that EA Sports FC 26 has made, however, we think that EA will surprise fans one more time!

Conclusion

That’s everything you need to know about EA Sports FC 26.

This latest instalment in the series introduces a number of improvements, including new gameplay presets, a EA Sports FC 26 Career Mode update and a FC 26 Ultimate Team upgrades. With these changes, the game will appeal to both veterans and new players.

Now, count down with us to the big release in this autumn 2025!

FAQ

What is FC 26?

EA Sports FC 26 is a football sim and the third installment in the EA Sports FC series. This new franchise was
created as a direct successor to FIFA following EA Sports losing the FIFA license.

What is the gameplay like in FC 26?

EA Sports FC 26 seeks to introduce major gameplay changes, including completely overhauled dribbling, enhanced
AI
when it comes to player positioning, more lifelike goalkeeper animations, and more. There are also two
distinct
gameplay presets: Competitive, which emphasizes fast-paced action and smarter AI, and Authentic, which
focuses
on realistic football behavior and tactics, all based on real-world data.

Does FC 26 have multiplayer features?

Yes, the game features a multiplayer mode.

Which platforms is FC 26 available on?

The game is set to release on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and
Nintendo Switch 2.

How big is FC 26?

The PC version of the game requires 100 GB of available space.

What are the system requirements for FC 26?

Minimum:

OS: Windows 10/11 – 64-Bit (Latest Update)

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel Core i5 6600k

Memory: 8 GB RAM

Graphics: AMD RX 570 or Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti

DirectX: Version 12

Network: Broadband Internet connection

Sound Card: DirectX: 12 Compatible video card or equivalent (feature level 12_0)

Recommended:

OS: Windows 10/11 – 64-Bit (Latest Update)

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core i7 6700

Memory: 12 GB RAM

Graphics: AMD RX 5600 XT or Nvidia GTX 1660

DirectX: Version 12

Network: Broadband Internet connection

Sound Card: DirectX: 12 Compatible video card or equivalent (feature level 12_0)

Additionally, the game requires a 64-bit processor and operating system.

Does FC 26 support cross-play features?

Yes, however cross-play is restricted to platforms of the same generation. PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation
5
users can play together, but they cannot play with players using older generation of consoles. If you have a
PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, you can only play with other PS4/Xbox One based players.

The only exception to the generation rule is Nintendo Switch. NS1 and NS2 users can play together, however, they will not be able to play together with players outside Nintendo Switch.

Does FC 26 support cross-save features?

You can only transfer your progress between the same line of platforms, for example, between PlayStation 4 and
PlayStation 5. However, you cannot do that between, say, PlayStation 5 and PC.

Does FC 26 support cross-platform features?

Yes, but they are limited to the same generation, as explained above.