EA SPORTS FC 26 has just showcased its first gameplay livestream, giving fans a closer look at new mechanics, early access timing, and free pack rewards.
It’s always a big deal when EA finally pulls back the curtain, especially for the first gameplay reveal of a new FC title.
EA SPORTS FC 26 Livestream
The livestream ran on September 16, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM UTC. You could catch it on EA Sports FC’s official YouTube, Twitch, and in-game channels.
This was our first look at FC 26 in action. EA didn’t deep dive into every new feature, but just seeing the game live was enough to start conversations. The animations, the pace, and the overall polish gave us a feel for how this year’s game might play compared to FC 25. If you’ve been holding out for actual gameplay, this stream delivered.
Gameplay Rewards Breakdown
Let’s be honest, half the reason people show up to these streams is for the rewards. And this time, EA went all-in:
- Watch 15 minutes: Gold Player Pack
- Watch 60 minutes: Rare Gold Pack
- Watch both: Premium Electrum Players Pack
Not bad for just leaving a tab open. Just one set of rewards per EA account, so no cheating the system.
How to Claim Your Packs
Getting your packs is pretty simple, as long as your accounts are linked:
Twitch
- Make sure your Ultimate Team club exists
- Link EA and Twitch at ea.com/twitchlinking
- Watch the stream and claim rewards in your Twitch Drops inventory
- Log into FC 26 between September 19 and September 29 to complete the objectives and receive the packs
YouTube
- Link your EA account through YouTube settings
- Watch the stream for the required time
Rewards should drop into your account within 24 hours, without extra steps needed.
Key Dates You Shouldn’t Miss
- September 17: Web App and Companion App go live
- September 19: Early access begins
- September 26: Full global releas
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch 1, and Switch 2
- First promo: “Cornerstones” drops on launch day
Plenty of time to prep your squad, start trading, and hit the ground running when the game drops.
Why This Stream Mattered
Every year, the first gameplay stream is where the FC cycle really begins. It’s how EA sets the tone, gives fans something to talk about, and starts building momentum. That pattern hasn’t changed, and honestly, it still works. Seeing the game live, even without a full feature breakdown, gives everyone a clearer sense of where things are heading. It’s the point where speculation turns into something real.
For FC 26, this stream felt especially important. The series is still finding its footing after the FIFA split, and every public step helps shape its identity. EA was saying, “This is the direction we’re going,” even if they weren’t ready to spill all the details yet.
In a market where football gaming is constantly active, these kinds of reveals matter. The stream didn’t call out any competitors by name, but the message was clear that EA wants to keep players locked in. Livestreams like this are all about creating a direct connection between the developers and the community. Watching gameplay, earning free packs, reacting in real time – it all builds engagement in a way that trailers and patch notes just can’t match.
Final Thoughts
There wasn’t much talk about lore, development insights, or long-term plans, and that’s fine. This stream was about showing the game in action, handing out some rewards, and giving everyone a reason to start paying attention. With early access just days away, that’s really all it needed to do. People tuned in, the chat lit up, packs got claimed, and now the countdown’s officially on.
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.