New Delhi: EA’s long-running football video game franchise is set to continue this year, also with the release of their latest EA Sports FC 26. The upcoming title saw its official reveal recently, with EA placing key gameplay changes front and center; however, it has a shiny new Icon in Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Besides, all of these adjustments, some new features have also been confirmed, as well as he game’s cover stars. This EA FC 26 will hit the market on September 26, but as always, Ultimate Edition owners will enjoy a week’s worth of early access, starting from September 19. The two editions come with their own set of pre-bonuses that users can check out.
Innovation inspired by you in every mode.
The Club is Yours in #FC26, launching September 26. Pre-order now: https://t.co/Wisdac4a3F pic.twitter.com/PaUttD24Dy
— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) July 16, 2025
Pricing
- EA Sports FC 26 Standard Edition will cost $69.99 just like its predecessor.
- EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Edition is priced at $99.99 across all the platforms, barring the Nintendo Switch 2, where users will need to spend $89.99.
Supported Platforms
EA Sports FC 26 will be available on the following platforms:
- PS5
- PS4
- Xbox Series X/S
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
- PC
EA FC continues to support old-generation consoles as part of the effort to maximise revenue, and the tradition is set to continue with the upcoming title. This FC 26 marks the franchise’s first appearance on Nintendo Switch 2, and users cannot wait to see how the game holds up on the handheld console.
EA Sports confirmed that Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala will be the cover stars of the FC 26 Standard Edition. The Ultimate Edition, on the other hand, sees Zlatan Ibrahimovic take centre stage, with the legendary striker returning as an in-game icon.
You asked. Zlatan is back.
Presenting your #FC26 Ultimate Edition Cover. See the full reveal July 16: https://t.co/5s9nHPPxcw pic.twitter.com/BsoYcqY7Vr
— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) July 14, 2025
Their latest Icons cards are introduced with each new entry, and leaks suggested that FC 26 will bring 12 new legends to the franchise. The rumoured lineup features many fan-favourites, including superstars that players have been demanding for ages. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already been confirmed, but the rest will likely be revealed in the upcoming deep dives.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Andres Iniesta
- Toni Kroos
- Marcelo
- Giorgio Chiellini
- Alex Morgan
- Francesco Totti
- Oliver Kahn
- Sara Thunebro
- Cha Bum-Kun
- Steffi Jones
- Sissi
If true, the list is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The most surprising mention on the list is undoubtedly Zlatan Ibrahimovic, that impious striker famously spoke out against EA in 2021 for using his likeness without permission. His inclusion as an Icon suggests that the parties have settled their dispute.
EA FC 25, especially before its transformative winter update, was possibly the lowest point for the franchise in terms of the core gameplay experience. During this terrible spell, central areas of the pitch felt suffocating, dribbling felt restrictive, and the untamable bounce backs made users screech like crazed monkeys. EA FC 26 will come with more responsive, dribbling, smarter AI positioning, and sharper, more explosive movement, all based on community feedback. In addition to this, the title will also feature new Playstyles and Player Roles, which are yet to be revealed.
To freshen up Ultimate Team’s competitive offerings, EA FC 26 will introduce Challengers, a new second-tier weekend league designed for the players in lower Divisions. In addition to this, Rivals and Champions have been refreshed in ways that are yet to be revealed.
Manager Career is receiving some much-deserved attention in the shape of new Manager Live Challenges. As described by the EA, these challenges will see players take on a variety of real-world scenarios and alternative storylines, ranging from a few minutes of play to multiple seasons, and earn rewards including Season Points, Vanity, and Icons and Heroes to use in modern-day clubs.
