EA has locked in the global launch date for EA Sports FC 26, confirming the next entry in its football simulation series will drop on September 26. Pre-orders for EA Sports FC 26 are now live, giving fans a chance to grab early access and claim a handful of exclusive bonuses tied to the game.
The EA Sports FC franchise kicked off in 2023 after EA’s long-running partnership with FIFA came to an end. Since then, the series has pushed forward with EA Sports FC 24 and FC 25, both of which were generally well-received for nailing immersive gameplay and visual realism while sticking close to real-world clubs, leagues, and players. Speculation around EA Sports FC 26 had been circulating for weeks, with fans watching closely for any hints about features or release info, but until now, nothing was official.
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PostsThat changed on July 16, when EA formally confirmed EA Sports FC 26 will hit shelves worldwide on September 26. The game is set to release across a broad range of platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2. EA says this year’s version brings major gameplay upgrades influenced by player feedback, introduces something called "Manager Live Challenges" with shifting seasonal storylines, and adds new "Archetypes" modeled after legendary football icons. Alongside the date, EA also revealed what’s included in EA Sports FC 26's pre-order packages, which come in two editions packed with extras meant to pull in both longtime players and newcomers.
EA Sports FC 26 Release Date
September 26, 2025Those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition of EA Sports FC 26 by August 26 will receive an impressive range of perks, including up to seven days of early access, a Season 1 Premium Pass, and up to 6,000 FC Points over two months (4,500 on Switch platforms). The package also includes major Ultimate Team incentives, like an untradeable ICON Player Item for FC 26, an additional Player Evolution Slot, Archetype unlocks, and three ICON Career Players. On top of that, pre-orders come with FC 25 content, including a 93+ OVR ICON Player Pick and a 99 Shooting Player Evolution. That said, none of these FC 25 bonuses apply to the Switch or Switch 2.
CloseThe EA Sports FC 26 Standard Edition includes fewer perks but still offers solid value for early buyers. That package contains a 92+ OVR ICON for FC 25, a single Archetype Unlock Consumable, and a few Manager Career extras, such as a five-star coach and youth scout. Both editions include content tied to the new Manager Live Challenge, an innovative mode expected to bring fresh narrative-driven objectives to career gameplay. Just like with the Ultimate Edition, FC 25-related bonuses won’t be available for Switch, Switch 2, or physical versions of the game.
