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The dawn of a new season means that the EA Sports 26 release date is finally here, and despite its recent launch, we are already impressed. We gave EA's third FIFA successor a glowing four-star rating in our EA FC 26 review, writing: "EA Sports FC 26 serves up all the teams, all the kits, all the players – and all the goals, all the time."
Ultimate Team is the annual focus for most fans, but intriguingly, EA has given equal priority to offline gamers this season. That means two distinct gameplay styles: fast, skills-focused action in 'competitive', and slower, more tactical action in 'authentic'. It’s going to be an intriguing season for FC 26 for sure. But before you decide on whether or not to buy the new game, check out our complete guide below to make sure that this is the sports game for you.
EA Sports FC 26 release date
Staying with tradition, the EA Sports FC 26 release date fell a month into the new domestic football season. The latest instalment of the mega-publisher’s sports juggernaut is now out worldwide as of Friday, September 26, 2025.
However, those who shelled out for the FC 26 Ultimate Edition got their own bespoke FC 26 release date of Friday, September 19, 2025. Still, right now everyone can grab a copy, so if you haven't already, it's time to reach for those wallets.
EA Sports FC 26 platforms
The EA Sports FC 26 platforms list expands this year. As ever, it's available on PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Switch, and PC. But you can now add Nintendo Switch 2 to that extensive array of purchase options.
The version attempts to mirror current-gen gameplay, so it isn't too far off the PS5 and Xbox Series X editions, with the additional bonus of on-the-move football.
EA Sports FC 26 trailer
The first EA Sports FC 26 trailer dropped in mid-July 2025. It hammers home EA Vancouver’s mantra for this year’s game, which is "powered by you".
Essentially, all the series' major changes and improvements have been directly influenced by fan feedback to FC 25. These include reduced tacklebacks, dynamic dribbling, controlled goalkeeper deflections, proper first-time passing, and those two distinct gameplay styles for online and offline play. Tap the window above to watch it yourself.
EA Sports FC 26 cover star
There are two EA Sports FC 26 cover athletes, and the pair made their names together during their teenage years as England Under-21 teammates. FC 25 frontman Jude Bellingham returns, but he now shares top billing with Jamal Musiala. Bellingham is a talismanic figure for both Real Madrid and England, while Musiala has switched allegiances to Germany – and become a key player for FC Bayern, and his national side.
An even more illustrious name gets the FC 26 Ultimate Edition cover star honor. It's Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who also earns an Icon card in FUT. Zlatan hasn't featured in the series since FIFA 23, after bringing the curtain down on his playing career.
EA Sports FC 26 Rush details
Yep, the five-a-side fun of FC 26 Rush is back, with some essential quality of life tweaks. Fed up with teammates rubber-banding their controller, or quitting matches early? They'll be made to serve a cooldown period during which the mode is temporarily inaccessible. Good.
Additionally, Derek Rae is included as an alternate commentary option, just in case you need a break from the limitless energy offered by Fernando Palomo. In the Clubs version of Rush, meanwhile, you'll be able to play as a goalkeeper, bringing FC 26 in line with upstart rival Rematch.
EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Team details
While our preview covers gameplay and presentation in detail, Ultimate Team specifics were embargoed until recently – but a number emerged prior to the recent release of the game. For instance, those 6,000 FC Points packaged with the Ultimate Edition are spread over the game's first two months post-release, in an attempt to slow down the inevitable power curve that accompanies early-season promos such as FC 25 RTTK.
Additionally, Ultimate Edition players always have one Evo slot more than standard ones. "So, if we go to two active Evo slots for non-Ultimate Edition owners, Ultimate Edition owners will have their limit increased to three," says senior lead product manager Jamey Cane.
For more exciting titles, head over to our list of the best sports games of all time.
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