The nights are drawing in, the leaves are turning red, and Halloween is creeping closer, which can only mean one thing. EA Sports is back with the latest instalment of its ‘kick the ball in the net’ series; and especially for EA Sports FC 26, the stakes are higher than ever. Community frustration has reached boiling point, and this year could be make-or-break for the franchise. Every release brings the same question: “Should I wait for a sale?” With the last game hampered by clunky gameplay, poorly tuned mechanics, and an unforgiving Ultimate Team power curve, scepticism is understandable.
EAFC 26 launched on 19th September 2025 for those who purchased the Ultimate Edition at £89.99, with the standard £69.99 version following on 26th September across PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. EA’s promise this time was that they had listened to the fans. But did they deliver?
The Beautiful Game?
EA Sports FC 26 feels like a direct response to last year’s criticism. It introduces new features, refines existing ones, and focuses the experience around two distinct gameplay styles. ‘Authentic’ leans into realism, emphasising tactical decision-making and giving career mode fans the closest experience yet to a true football simulation. ‘Competitive’, in contrast, increases the tempo with sharper responsiveness, designed specifically for online play.
Every role on the pitch has been refined to make matches feel more natural and rewarding. Defenders shield possession intelligently, tackle with precision, and reward smart play rather than frantic button-mashing. Midfielders can cut through defences with crisp first-time passes and benefit from smoother movement in tight spaces. Wingers excel in one-on-one situations thanks to fairer duels, fluid dribbling, and pace that matters without feeling overpowered. Strikers are more balanced, with low-driven and finesse shots requiring precise timing and positioning.
The biggest leap is with goalkeepers. Player and CPU-controlled keepers have smarter positioning, varied save logic, new animations, and an improved camera angle. For the first time this generation, even lower-rated keepers feel reliable, making this arguably the standout upgrade in EAFC 26.
Gameplay
All the favourite modes return, each with a fresh lick of paint.
Manager Career now offers ‘Manager Live’ challenges, from leading the league by Christmas to surviving relegation under a points deduction. Optional twists, like transfer bans or injuries, keep every save unpredictable. Recruit football legends, even more via the season pass, and track up to five extra leagues to follow transfer drama. The new manager transfer system can even see Pep Guardiola managing unexpected clubs like Inter Milan. Random events from homesickness to career-ending injuries keep each run fresh and demanding. Player Career introduces the Archetype system, with each Archetype granting unique skills and play-style perks inspired by legendary players. Progression feels natural, allowing you to grow into your ideal role while shaping a personalised career. It focuses on developing skills, making smart decisions, and mastering tactics for unpredictable gameplay.
Online Modes
Pro Clubs receives a full overhaul. The old skill tree is gone, replaced by Archetypes that define a player’s identity. Attributes evolve through match-earned Archetype Points, while a revamped stamina system keeps fitness realistic. Communication has expanded from four to sixteen quick messages, adding depth to teamwork. Live Events introduce rotating rules, and players can sign with up to three clubs at once. Rush Mode returns, now letting you step into goal and experience the refined keeper mechanics. Ultimate Team doubles down on competitive gameplay. Rivals has had the bloat taken away for better weekly objective progression, and a slower power curve also keeps newcomers engaged. Growth feels earned, balancing grind and reward. That said, the new premium season pass and a trophy tied to it leave a sour note, essentially locking the Platinum behind a paywall. 27 trophies return from previous entries, suggesting a lack of focus on this aspect of the game.
Graphics
Each year, it’s the best-looking entry yet, and EA Sports FC 26 continues to set the visual bar. Player likenesses are astonishingly detailed and instantly recognisable, while floodlit stadiums buzz with life thanks to lifelike crowds and HDR lighting that brings textures, shadows, and the pitch to vivid life. Presentation is polished, with intuitive menus, sleek overlays, and broadcast-style replays that make every match feel like live television. Premier League teams sometimes feature intro packages with Google Earth-style opening sequences, showing off the stadium and surrounding area with real telemetry data. Even nearby rival grounds appear if close enough. The visuals are so strong that it is tempting to imagine how spectacular they could be if developers focused entirely on current-generation consoles.
Audio
EAFC 26 sounds as impressive as it looks. Stadiums feel alive, with chants that change depending on the team and scoreline, giving each location its own character. Commentary is smoother and more natural than ever, responding to the flow of the match without feeling repetitive or forced. You can customise your commentary team, selecting one sports commentator and one ex-player from a choice of four, keeping each match fresh. Environmental sounds, from referee whistles to the satisfying thump of the ball hitting the post, enhance immersion. A carefully curated soundtrack offers something for every taste.
Final Thoughts
Before this review ends, I just want to showcase the amount of work that went into Accessibility. High Contrast mode allows players to customise the colour of the pitch to grey. It also gives options for teams, balls, and referees to be transformed into bold hues, making it easier for visually impaired players to differentiate teammates from opponents. This is the first competitive multiplayer PvP game to offer such a feature. Players can also disable shadows for teams and the stadiums, improving visibility and clarity.
EAFC 26 is a well-rounded evolution rather than a revolution. However, bolder change will not occur until the old generation versions are retired. Meanwhile, Authentic Mode brings a more tactical approach, thereby offering fans a deeper, more immersive simulation. In addition, Pro Clubs and goalkeepers see major improvements. Although issues such as Ultimate Team monetisation and repeated trophy designs persist, they are minor blemishes on an otherwise polished experience.
Overall, it is a solid, enjoyable entry that will appeal to both newcomers and long-time fans. It not only delivers refined gameplay, but also improvements across each mode, along with accessibility features that set a new standard. For players seeking a tactical, responsive, and visually stunning football experience, EA Sports FC 26 fully deserves the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
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