EA SPORTS FC™ 26 | FC 26 Launch Update: What Players Can Expect

EA SPORTS FC™ 26 | FC 26 Launch Update: What Players Can Expect

Updated: September 12,2025 | Game: FC 26
EA SPORTS FC™ 26 | FC 26 Launch Update: What Players Can Expect

Intro and Launch Dates

Excitement builds as the launch of EA SPORTS FC™ 26 approaches. Players can mark their calendars for some key dates:

  • Companion and Web App: Available from September 17; Companion App refresh on September 18.
  • Early Access: Ultimate Edition players can play starting midnight localization on September 19 (Console) or September 18, 1 PM BST (PC). EA Play members can enjoy a 10-hour trial, while EA Play Pro members get full access.
  • Worldwide Launch: The Standard Edition will launch at midnight local time on September 26 (Console) and September 25, 1 PM BST (PC).

Power Curve and Chemistry Styles

In response to player feedback, EA is taking steps to slow down the power curve in FC 26. The goal is to provide a more balanced gameplay experience where players can enjoy a variety of squad-building options throughout the season.

What This Means in FUT

  • Base Items: Emphasizing Rare Golds, ICONs, and Heroes will keep them relevant deeper into the year, with adjustments to campaign item upgrades to ensure strategic squad building.
  • Weekly Campaigns: Expect new campaign squads weekly with moderated boosts on average while maintaining the excitement of bigger events.
  • Rewards: Adjustments to rewards align with the new pacing of progression.

Ultimately, FC 26 slows the progression pace, leading to a more satisfying gameplay experience.

Chemistry Styles Refresh

Chemistry Styles have also received a rebalance to support this new progression pace, emphasizing balance across items. With a new boost model and improved diversity in styles, players will enjoy a more varied experience while playing Ultimate Team.

Early Access Content & Cornerstones

Celebrating the return of Tournaments in FUT, Early Access will introduce a Daily Knockout Tournament. Players can compete daily to earn rewards and qualify for a one-time finale tournament at the end of Early Access. Expect a campaign focusing on essential players who are key to a team's success.

Furthermore, Early Access will feature:

  • Team of the Week releases
  • Evolutions
  • World Tour content
  • Flashback and Showdown SBCs
  • Opportunities to earn Season Points

FC 26 Seasons: A World Tour Through History

In FC 26, Seasons will tie into football’s greatest stories, with each Season focusing on a notable tournament, culminating in “The Festival of Football” during Season 8, celebrating historic achievements.

Season 1: England '66

Kicking off with England ‘66, this theme will highlight prominent leagues and players, providing players with ample opportunities to earn packs, rewards, and seasonal challenges like a tournament for English squads.

World Tour: Silver Superstars

This feature will introduce Silver ICONs and Heroes focusing on international tournaments, making them accessible to more players while maintaining competitive gameplay.

Live Events

Responding to feedback for more diverse gameplay, Live Events in FC 26 will introduce fresh formats, emphasizing quality over quantity. Expect a range of events from casual to highly competitive settings.

Game Mode & Reward Changes

Several modes such as Rivals and Champions have been restructured for better accessibility and balance, providing a smoother experience for both new and returning players.

Evolutions in FC 26

Focusing on customization and squad depth, Evolutions will offer players personalized upgrade paths to enhance their squad without toppled balance.

ICONs and Heroes

Features new ICONs like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Toni Kroos available across modes, as well as new Heroes appearing throughout the campaign to enrich player experiences.

Pre-order Content

Players who opted for the Ultimate Edition can expect exclusive rewards and content upon launch, making the pre-order worthwhile.

Graduated Access / Football Ultimate Team Transfer Market

To ensure a smoother transition for new accounts in the FIFA ecosystem, graduated access will regulate player interaction with the Transfer Market.

For those seeking to speed up their progression, FIFA Ultimate Team Coins from reputable sources can be a strategic investment.