EA FC 26: Release Date, Cover Stars, Features & What's New

Yahoo

a day ago

EA Sports FC 26 is nearly here – and it's packed with big changes. From gameplay tweaks and Career Mode upgrades to fresh cover stars and Ultimate Team updates, EA is going all in on their third post-FIFA release.
Here's everything we know so far about FC 26 – including the confirmed release date, big-name ICONs, and new game modes.
When Is EA FC 26 Out? Release Date & Early Access Details
The global release date for EA FC 26 has been confirmed for September 26, 2025. Per usual, those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition will enjoy a seven-day head start from September 19.
It also includes a 10-hour early access trial via EA Play.
The countdown is well and truly underway. EA FC 26 will be the third release under the new EA Sports FC banner, following the rebrand from the FIFA series.
Cover Stars Revealed: Bellingham, Musiala & a Surprise Legend
Nothing captures the mood of a game's release like its cover, and EA FC 26's Standard Edition features two of the most electrifying young talents in world football.
EA has gone with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich stars Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala.
For the Ultimate Edition, EA has gone in a more nostalgic direction. They chose to go with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the cover.
That decision raised eyebrows given his previous disputes with the franchise, but it was welcomed nonetheless.
In a nod to his early days, the cover art reimagines a famous photo of Ibrahimovic as a teenager in Malmo, complete with memorabilia from his glittering career and subtle references to Ultimate Team.
EA FC 26 Prices, Platforms & Pre-Order Bonuses Explained
EA Sports FC 26 will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2.
EA has made sure that the game is playable for users on both legacy and current-gen hardware, giving fans a pristine gaming experience regardless of which console they own.
The Standard Edition is priced at $69.99/£69.99 for consoles, with PC users getting a slightly lower price point at £59.99 through Steam.
The Ultimate Edition costs $99.99/£89.99. Nintendo Switch versions are priced at $59.99 for the Standard and $79.99 for the Ultimate Edition.
Those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition by August 26 can access a bundle of exclusive content.
That includes an untradeable ICON item for FC 26, a 93+ ICON pick for FC 25, and a unique Evo upgrade that boosts a player's shooting to 99.
They also get up to 6,000 FC Points, the Season 1 Premium Pass, and a week of early gameplay.
Big Gameplay Changes in FC 26: AI, Dribbling & New Modes
Fans expecting an overhauled gameplay experience in EA FC 26 will not be disappointed.
After combing through thousands of fan feedback, EA has finally delivered something that gives games a more responsive and immersive gaming experience.
One of the most welcome updates is the introduction of new gameplay presets – Competitive and Authentic.
The Competitive preset is tailor-made for online battles and fast-paced matches. It has quicker passing, more direct control and a higher tempo overall.
If you want a more realistic experience, Authentic mode might be more your speed. It gives players a true football experience through modes like career.
The overhaul will see more realistic AI defending, corners, and more.
Dribbling has been tweaked to feel more responsive, movement is now sharper and more explosive, and AI players make better decisions off the ball.
EA has also introduced new PlayStyles and Archetypes, giving players the freedom to customise and create unique players in Clubs and Career Mode.
What's New in Ultimate Team: ICONs, Bounties & Tournaments
Ultimate Team remains the crown jewel of EA's football games, and FC 26 has given it some much-needed upgrades.
Players will now enjoy new multi-round tournaments with up to four rounds of knockout matches, live events, new 'Challengers' mode for lower-division players, and new 'Bounty' events that offer rewards for completing challenges.
There's also more focus on progression and community engagement. Live tournaments and fresh dynamic events throughout the year will give players new ways to compete, earn rewards, and build their dream squads.
In addition to content, Ultimate Team will see the inclusion of a brand-new set of ICONs. These are retired legends who return to the pitch in their prime.
EA FC 26 is expected to bring 12 new legends to the franchise. The rumoured line-up will bring many fan favourites into the mix, including players that the EA community has been demanding for ages.
So far, the only confirmed icons are Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Alex Morgan (United States) and Ronaldo (Brazil).
Career Mode Upgrades: Live Challenges, Manager Market & More
For years, fans of Career Mode have asked for more depth and realism. In EA Sports FC 26, EA seems to be answering that call with some key upgrades.
One of the most noteworthy additions is the introduction of live challenges in Manager careers.
This update was inspired by real-life football stories that force players to adapt to new circumstances just like a real manager.
The game also introduces a brand new Manager Market system where your reputation as a coach affects your job prospects and team performance. Team tactics also evolve as managers change, similar to real life.
If your club sacks you, another one may be watching from the wings, impressed by your preferred style.
Club Mode is also getting some significant improvements. It includes the ability to be affiliated with up to three clubs at once.
It will also have dynamic live events with unique rules and a revamped 'be a goalkeeper' system.
Will FC 26 Include a World Cup Mode? Here's What We Know
One of the few unknowns about the upcoming EA FC 26 is whether or not it'll have a FIFA World Cup competition.
Since the fallout between EA and FIFA in 2023, there hasn't been a partnership between the two franchises, so the competition hasn't featured in previous editions.
That historic break-up also heralded the rebranding of FIFA to EA FC. However, there are whispers that there could be a new World Cup mode in FC 26.