As the final whistle blows on EA Sports FC 25, all eyes are now turning toward the next installment of EA's flagship football franchise: EA FC 26. With anticipation building, a steady stream of leaks and hints has begun to shape our understanding of what's to come. From a potential open-world experience to the long-awaited return of a World Cup mode and the addition of iconic football legends like Zlatan Ibrahimović, EA FC 26 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious and talked-about entries in the series' history.
Let's take a deep dive into everything we currently know about EA FC 26 — from its projected release date and pricing, to platform support, leaked Icons, and major new gameplay features.
EA FC 26 Release Date
Although EA has yet to confirm an official release date, industry patterns and reliable leaks suggest that EA FC 26 will likely be released on September 26, 2025. This release window is in line with previous entries and aligns with EA's annual sports game rollout schedule.
The game's reveal trailer is expected on July 17, 2025, and is set to showcase gameplay footage, new features, and perhaps even the much-rumored open-world mode. Pre-orders will likely open immediately following the trailer, giving players access to bonus content and early access options.
EA FC 26 Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
As with FC 25, players will have two editions to choose from: the Standard Edition and the Ultimate Edition. The Ultimate Edition will grant buyers up to 7 days of early access, allowing them to start their journey ahead of the general public. Leaked Pre-Order Bonuses include:
✅ Untradeable Icon
✅ Up to 4,600–6,000 FC Points
✅ Additional Evolution Slot
✅ Season 1 Premium Pass
✅ 1 of 5 Player Pick 93+ Icon Evolution (FC 25 carryover)
These bonuses are designed to jump-start your Ultimate Team experience and offer meaningful advantages out of the gate, particularly for competitive players.
EA FC 26 Prices
While official pricing hasn't been confirmed, we can make reliable assumptions based on past pricing structures.
Standard Edition:
· Expected Price: $69.99 / £69.99 / €79.99
· Includes base game and minimal bonus content.
Ultimate Edition:
· Expected Price: $99.99 / £99.99 / €109.99
· Includes a bundle of pre-order content and in-game bonuses, especially for Ultimate Team players.
Supported Platforms
While the industry is steadily shifting toward next-gen exclusivity, EA is still expected to support a wide range of platforms for FC 26:
· PlayStation 5 / PlayStation 4
· Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One
· PC
· Nintendo Switch and the rumored Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch version is particularly interesting, as fans hope that FC 26 will finally drop the Legacy Edition label and offer a more robust and feature-complete experience, especially on the newer Switch 2 hardware.
EA FC 26 Cover Stars
EA has confirmed that Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala will grace the Standard Edition cover of FC 26. These two dynamic midfielders represent the future of football and are a clear reflection of EA's strategy to spotlight the next generation of global superstars.
The Ultimate Edition cover is a nostalgic treat, featuring none other than Zlatan Ibrahimović. After a years-long absence and a public dispute with EA over image rights, Zlatan's inclusion suggests a new agreement has been reached — and he'll return not only as a cover star but also as a playable Icon.
EA FC 26 Leaked Icons
Perhaps the most exciting leak surrounding FC 26 is the addition of 12 new Icons. The list is a dream for long-time football fans and Ultimate Team players alike:
· Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden)
· Andres Iniesta (Spain)
· Toni Kroos (Germany)
· Marcelo (Brazil)
· Giorgio Chiellini (Italy)
· Francesco Totti (Italy)
· Oliver Kahn (Germany)
· Cha Bum-kun (South Korea)
· Alex Morgan (USA)
· Sara Thunebro (Sweden)
· Steffi Jones (Germany)
· Sissi (Brazil)
These additions not only celebrate male football icons, but also expand the diversity of the Icon roster with trailblazing female legends. Names like Alex Morgan and Steffi Jones help further EA's push for gender inclusivity in Ultimate Team and other modes.
EA FC 26 New Features
Open-World Mode
One of the most talked-about leaks is the introduction of an open-world mode, first hinted at during an EA summit in October 2024. EA President Cam Weber described a “virtual open-world playground” where players can gather, socialize, and compete with custom avatars.
This would mark a massive departure from traditional menu-driven gameplay, transforming FC 26 into something closer to NBA 2K's ‘The City' — a shared online space where players can:
· Play casual street matches on 3v3 or 5v5 courts
· Purchase in-game cosmetics from real-world brands
· Participate in community-driven events and minigames
· Express themselves with emotes, avatars, and new gear
If implemented successfully, this could breathe fresh life into Career Mode, Clubs, and even Volta, serving as a unifying hub for all offline and online modes.
FIFA World Cup Mode
After EA parted ways with FIFA in 2023, the classic World Cup mode was left behind. However, reliable sources suggest EA is negotiating with FIFA to secure rights for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The return of the World Cup mode would be a huge draw. Players love recreating tournament magic with their national teams, and the 2026 edition, featuring 48 countries and expanded group stages, offers plenty of content potential.
Final Thoughts
Based on what's been leaked so far, EA FC 26 could mark a bold step forward for the franchise. Between a potential open-world experience, the return of the World Cup, and a huge batch of new Icons, EA seems determined to modernize its formula while keeping longtime fans engaged.
Of course, nothing is confirmed until EA's official reveal on July 17, but the signs are promising. The real test will be whether these features are polished, functional, and supported throughout the game's lifecycle — and whether EA can justify its expected price tag without leaning too heavily on microtransactions.