EA Sports FC 26 is set to revolutionize virtual football when it releases worldwide on September 26, 2025. The third installment in the EA Sports FC series promises an overhauled gameplay experience powered by community feedback, introducing two distinct gameplay presets and enhanced features across all game modes.
EA Sports FC 26 is set to raise the bar for virtual football gaming, delivering a new and innovative experience for fans across the globe. Scheduled for release on September 26, 2025, this highly anticipated third installment continues the EA Sports FC legacy with community-inspired gameplay enhancements, a refined Ultimate Team mode, and new features designed to make football simulation more realistic and immersive than ever before.
No matter if you’re on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or Nintendo Switch, players can look forward to exciting matches, early access perks, and the latest player ratings to start the new season with flair.
Release Date and Early Access
The successor to ‘FIFA,’ ‘FC 26,’ elevates the beautiful game. EA Play subscribers can start playing EA Sports FC 26 on September 18.
Official Release Date: September 26, 2025
Early Access Options:
- Ultimate Edition Early Access: September 19, 2025 (7 days early)
- EA Play Pro: September 19, 2025 (PC unlimited access)
- EA Play Trial: September 18, 2025, at 1 PM BST (10-hour trial)
EA Sports FC 26 Platforms and Availability
EA Sports FC 26 PS4
Yes, FC 26 will be available on PS4 on launch day, September 26, 2025. The PS4 version includes
- Full base game with dual entitlement (play on both PS4 and PS5 with a single purchase)
- All core modes, including Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Clubs.
- Standard Edition priced at $69.99/£69.99
Important Note: The PS4 version does not support crossplay with PS5 and lacks current-generation features like the HyperMotion engine enhancements.
EA Sports FC 26 PS5
The PS5 version features the complete next-generation experience with:
- HyperMotion V technology for enhanced gameplay
- Superior visual enhancements and special cutscenes
- Full 60fps gameplay
- Cross-generation compatibility with PS4
EA Sports FC 26 Pre-Order Options and Pricing
Pre-order EA Sports FC 26 today and explore all available editions, prices, and exclusive rewards. Get early access, in-game bonuses, and the ultimate football gaming experience
FC 26 Ultimate Edition
Price: £89.99 / $99.99 (PlayStation, Xbox, PC)
Ultimate Edition Includes:
- Up to 7 days early access (September 19)
- 6,000 FC Points over 2 months (4,500 for Nintendo Switch)
- Season 1 Premium Pass
- Additional Player Evolution slot in Ultimate Team
- Untradeable ICON Player Item at launch
- 3 ICON Career Players for Manager Career
- 5-Star Coach and Youth Scout for Manager Career
FC 26 Pre-Order Bonuses (Limited Time)
Pre-order by August 26, 2025, to receive exclusive bonuses
- EA FC 25 Rewards: 93+ OVR ICON Player Pick (1 of 5) and 99 Shooting Evolution
- EA FC 26 Reward: ICON Player Item that later upgrades to Champion ICON
Standard Edition Pricing
| Platform | Standard Edition | Ultimate Edition |
|---|---|---|
| PS5/Xbox | £69.99 / $69.99 | £89.99 / $99.99 |
| PC | £59.99 / $69.99 | £89.99 / $99.99 |
| Nintendo Switch | £56.36 / $59.99 | $79.99 |
EA Sports FC 26 Web App
- Web App Release: September 17, 2025 at 6 PM BST
- Companion App Release: September 18, 2025
Web App Features:
- Build and manage Ultimate Team squads
- Trade on Transfer Market
- Complete Squad Building Challenges (SBCs)
- Upgrade players through Evolutions
- Track progress in FUT competitions
- Best players from Soccer History
Access Requirements: Active EA FC account with club created before August 1, 2025, and a clean record without bans.
EA Sports FC 26 Player Ratings
Top-Rated Players (91 Overall)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, RW) – 91
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, ST) – 91
Women’s Players:
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona) – 91
- Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona) – 91
90-Rated Elite Players:
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG, ST) – 90
- Rodri (Manchester City, CDM) – 90
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, CB) – 90
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, CAM) – 90
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City, ST) – 90
Biggest Rating Upgrades:
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, RW): 89 (+8 from FC 25) – The biggest upgrade belongs to the 18-year-old Barcelona sensation following his breakout season.
Top Goalkeepers (89 Overall):
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
- Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
EA Sports FC 26 New Features and Gameplay
EA Sports FC 26 represents the most community-driven football game ever created, incorporating extensive player feedback into gameplay improvements while expanding the Ultimate Team experience with new tournaments, live events, and enhanced progression systems.
The game promises to deliver the most authentic football simulation across all supported platforms when it launches in late September 2025.
Two Gameplay Presets
- Competitive Preset: Optimized for Ultimate Team and Clubs with faster passing, smarter AI, and responsive controls
- Authentic Preset: Realistic football experience for Career Mode with true-to-life tactics and positioning
Enhanced Features
- Overhauled dribbling mechanics with more responsive controls
- Smarter goalkeeper AI using reinforcement learning
- New Archetypes system inspired by football legends
- Manager Live Challenges brings dynamic storylines to Career Mode
Nintendo Switch Compatibility
- Nintendo Switch and Switch 2: FC 26 supports both Nintendo Switch generations
- Switch 2: Features HyperMotion technology at 30fps
- Graphics: Comparable to the PS4 version on Switch 2
- Full feature parity with other platforms