EA has announced EA Sports FC 26 launches on September 26 worldwide for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Amazon Luna. The cover stars are Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, and football legend Zlatan Ibrahimović, and several new details were revealed alongside the official trailer.
Major New Improvements
Many of the improvements made to EA Sports FC 26 were driven by community feedback. These improvements include refined gameplay systems, improved dribbling responsiveness and fluidity, re-tuned run curves and movement, new reinforcement-learning-driven goalkeeper positioning, close-body volumetric animations, new and more versatile Playstyles and Player Roles, and much more. The community-first approach will be vital after launch with FC Feedback, which lets players directly share their input.
EA Sports FC 26 also offers a new Competitive Gameplay preset, which aims to bring enhanced responsiveness and consistency with the aforementioned improvements. This preset is tailor made for Football Ultimate Team and Clubs. However, fans still have the opportunity to select the Authentic Gameplay preset, which “delivers the most true-to-football experience ever” in Career.
Manager Live offers a live hub bursting with ever-changing variable-length Challenges. The mode will host regularly released scenarios through the new season, which is curated around the real world of football. Moreover, EA Sports FC 26 introduces Archetypes, which are inspired by legendary footballers and icons of the game. These new classes bring more individuality to players, and their abilities can be improved by upgrading attributes and unlocking Archetype Perks.
Along with an improved Rivals and Champs experience, new Live Events and Tournament modes will be available, giving players more content in Ultimate Team. This is on top of the over 20,000 athletes across 750+ clubs and national teams, playing in more than 120 stadiums across more than 35 leagues.
EA Sports FC 26 Pre-Orders
Pre-orders for EA Sports FC 26 are available now for $69.99 ($59.99 for Nintendo Switch). The EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Edition is available to pre-order for $99.99 ($79.99 for Nintendo Switch) with several bonuses, including Icons, exclusive Player EVO, the Season 1 Premium Pass, an Additional Evo Slot, seven days of early access starting September 19, and much more. Pre-order before August 26 to get additional bonuses like an untradable Icon.
On September 19, a 10-hour early access trial will be available for EA Play members, giving them access to the game along with extra rewards like monthly Ultimate Team Draft Tokens, seasonal club rewards, and 10% off EA digital content including pre-orders, game downloads, FC Points, and DLC.
“It’s really nice to share this moment with Jamal, as a reflection of how far we’ve come. I remember our times rooming together in the England Youth team, we’d play the game all the time,” said Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham in a press release. “Where I’m from, everyone knows the game, everyone plays it and talks about it so much. I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to be on the cover again.”
“When I found out I’d be on the cover of FC, it was such a crazy feeling. I thought, how could I tell my little brother? He’s a big fan of the game, so this will be a nice surprise for him,” said Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala. “It’s something I always wanted growing up and it’s such a big part of football culture. Who knows, maybe I can still beat Jude at FC.”
“FC 26 reflects our ongoing commitment to building this game with and for our community,” said John Shepherd, VP & GM, EA SPORTS FC, in a press release. “We are players too, and that shared passion drives everything we do. This year brings an overhauled gameplay experience, new Tournaments and Live Events in FUT, all-new Archetype customization in Clubs, and a Career Mode that comes alive through evolving Challenges. We can’t wait for players to feel the difference this September and help shape the future of FC.”
Lastly, players who play EA Sports FC Mobile between July 17 to 31 will receive a special 102 OVR Jude Bellingham Player Item and 102 OVR Jamal Musiala Player Item. July 17 will also see Zlatan Ibrahimović make his return to FC Mobile as an ICON.
