EA Sports FC 26 Review – A Confident Step Forward for Virtual Football
EA Sports FC 26, released on September 19, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch, marks the third entry in EA’s rebranded football series post-FIFA. Developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania, this iteration builds on its predecessors with refined gameplay, a visual overhaul, and ambitious new modes, earning a solid 80/100 (Generally Favorable). While it doesn’t revolutionize the sports genre, FC 26 delivers a polished, accessible, and thrilling football experience that balances innovation with the series’ signature depth. For fans of virtual football, it’s a compelling package, though some lingering issues and microtransaction concerns keep it from greatness.
A Global Pitch with Familiar Stakes FC 26’s premise is simple: recreate the thrill of football across global leagues, from the Premier League to Liga F, with over 19,000 licensed players and 700 clubs. The career mode weaves a light narrative, letting players manage a club or guide a custom footballer to glory, with new “Legacy Moments” cutscenes adding personal stakes, like contract disputes or locker-room rivalries. These additions give the mode a cinematic flair, though the storytelling remains shallow compared to RPG-driven sports titles like NBA 2K26. Ultimate Team, the card-collecting juggernaut, returns with deeper customization and a new “Club Legends” system, spotlighting icons like Mia Hamm and Ronaldinho. While engaging, the mode’s reliance on microtransactions has drawn criticism on X, with users noting, “Ultimate Team is fun but feels like a paywall for casuals.” Volta, the street football mode, adds vibrant urban pitches in cities like São Paulo, enhancing the arcade-like vibe. The 20–30-hour core experience (expandable via online seasons) caters to both solo and multiplayer fans, though the narrative lacks the emotional depth of competitors.
Gameplay That Feels Like the Beautiful Game At its core, FC 26 refines its Hypermotion V technology, leveraging real-world player data for fluid animations and responsive controls. Dribbling feels precise, with new skill moves like the “Drag-Back Flick” enabling flashy plays, while passing and shooting are weighty and satisfying. The new “PlayStyles Plus” system enhances player individuality—think Haaland’s brute-force finishing or De Bruyne’s pinpoint crosses—making every match feel dynamic. Defending, however, remains a weak point; AI teammates occasionally misposition, leaving gaps that savvy online opponents exploit. The pace is slightly slower than FC 25, emphasizing tactical build-up over arcade chaos, which suits veterans but may frustrate casual players craving instant action. New modes like “Rush,” a 5v5 arcade-style format, inject variety, blending FIFA Street’s flair with competitive stakes. Multiplayer thrives with cross-play across PS5, Xbox, and PC, though Switch players are stuck with a “Legacy Edition” that lacks the new engine, a sore point echoed in online forums. Accessibility options, like colorblind modes and remappable controls, make the game welcoming, but the steep learning curve in online ranked matches can intimidate newcomers.
A Visual and Technical Triumph with Minor Hiccups Visually, FC 26 is a stunner on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and high-end PCs, running at 4K/60 FPS with HDR support. Player models are lifelike, with sweat-drenched faces and detailed kits shining under dynamic stadium lighting. Crowds pulse with energy, and weather effects—like rain-soaked pitches affecting ball physics—add immersion. The Switch version, while improved from FC 25, lags behind with dated visuals and 30 FPS, feeling like a half-step forward. The Frostbite engine delivers smooth performance, though PC players reported occasional stuttering during menu transitions in early patches. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Tame Impala and Burna Boy, complements the global vibe, while commentary from Gary Lineker and Alex Scott feels fresh but repetitive after long sessions. Haptic feedback on PS5’s DualSense enhances immersion, with distinct vibrations for tackles or long-range screamers.
A Step Forward, but Not a Game-Changer FC 26 introduces quality-of-life tweaks, like streamlined menus and faster matchmaking, alongside new training drills for skill-building. The “Live Career” mode, which integrates real-world match data for dynamic storylines, is a highlight, though it’s limited to major leagues. At $70, the package feels robust, with all modes included, but the microtransaction-heavy Ultimate Team dampens enthusiasm for some. Compared to eFootball 2026, which leans harder into free-to-play, FC 26’s polish and depth justify its price, but it lacks the bold reinvention of NBA 2K’s narrative modes. X posts praise the gameplay—“Feels like real football!”—but criticize the grind: “Why does every pack cost a fortune?”
EA Sports FC 26 is a confident evolution, blending refined mechanics, stunning visuals, and varied modes into a package that’s easy to recommend for football fans. Its 80/100 reflects a polished experience that excels in delivering the sport’s highs, from last-minute goals to skillful dribbles. However, defensive AI quirks and microtransaction reliance hold it back from true greatness. For series veterans and newcomers alike, FC 26 is a thrilling kickabout, but one hopes EA pushes the boundaries further in 2027.
