This year’s EA Sports FC 26 release date is fast approaching, but when is it, and what new features will be in the game?
With football returning to action this month, it’s almost time for a new game cycle of EA Sports FC.
The flagship football video game will release worldwide next month.
It will be available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™, Nintendo Switch™ 2, and PC.
Boasting an all-new user experience, FC 26 is one of the most anticipated iterations of the gaming juggernaut in years.
Former Swedish striker and global star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been unveiled as the EA FC Ultimate Edition cover star.
But when is EA FC 26 coming out, and what new features will players see?
Football is back for a new season.
Who are you most looking forward to watching in 25/26? pic.twitter.com/PnvQnH9aEy
— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) August 15, 2025
EA Sports FC 26 Release Date
The release dates for all versions of EA FC 26 will be in September.
Players purchasing the early access or Ultimate Edition will be able to jump on from 19 September, while the standard version comes out a week later on 26 September across the globe.
EA Sports FC 26 Release:
- EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Ultimate Edition – 19 September, 2025
- EA Play Pro Ultimate Edition Access (PC) – 19 September, 2025
- EA Play Early Access 10-hour Trial – 19 September, 2025
- EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Standard Edition – 26 September, 2025
Innovation inspired by you in every mode.
The Club is Yours in #FC26, launching September 26. Pre-order now: https://t.co/Wisdac4a3F pic.twitter.com/PaUttD24Dy
— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) July 16, 2025
What’s Included In EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition?
The standard version of this year’s game comes in at £69.99 via most retailers.
But for those wishing to splash out, the Ultimate Edition is priced at £99.99.
For the extra £30, players will receive a range of exclusive bonus content that cannot be found on the standard release.
This includes upgrades and boosts for Ultimate Team, up to 6000 FC Points and Season One of the Premium Pass.
EA FC 26 New Features
As for new features, FC 26 is promising overhauled gameplay and a return to what fans want.
The developers have pointed towards ‘community feedback’ as the driving force behind this year’s gameplay tweaks.
Players should therefore notice more responsive dribbling, smarter AI positioning, and sharper, more explosive movement.
Goalkeepers will also now reportedly react more naturally, with improved positioning and more lifelike animations.
Distinct Gameplay Presets – Competitive Vs Authentic
A massive one for both the casual and serious players, you can now choose between two different gameplay settings.
‘Competitive’ mode is designed for head-to-head action, with faster passing and a more responsive feel.
The ‘Authentic’ mode, meanwhile, is designed to be a closer simulation to real football.
Perfect for Career mode players, it will see more realistic corner success rates and lifelike scrambles.
Refreshed Ultimate Team
New updates for Ultimate Team will give players more ways to play, including new tournaments and live events.
Rivals mode will also see a new lease of life along with updates to the Champs format and a new, second-tier event for those in lower divisions.
Career Mode Overhaul
This year’s Career mode will see new challenges and scenarios for players to jump in to.
Whether saving a club from relegation or winning a trophy with huge underdogs, you can live out your dreams like never before, or see how you match up to real life managers.
There have also been tweaks to tactics, and for the first time, managers will move around between clubs within the game.
