EA SPORTS FC 26 represents a significant step forward for the franchise, bringing substantial gameplay improvements driven by community feedback alongside fresh modes and features. While it’s true that every year we can always call the new FC to be the best game in the series so far (like when Apple releases a new iPhone), this year’s gameplay is very well-refined and well-tuned.
Again, the most significant improvement in FC 26 is the overhauled gameplay system, and I can definitely feel the difference compared to FC 25. Dribbling feels more responsive and precise, allowing for better close control in tight spaces. Player movement has been re-tuned with sharper, more definite runs that make pacey players threatening again. AI positioning has been improved with teammates making smarter runs and defenders holding better shape.
Ball shielding works more naturally now, and the new close-body volumetric animations make player interactions feel more realistic rather than the clunkier collisions we’ve experienced in previous iterations. While there are times where realism means less fun, it doesn’t definitely feel that way in FC26.
Goalkeepers have received substantial attention this year too. They react more naturally through the new volumetric animations and demonstrate better decision-making – especially in terms of positioning and when blocking the ball. The new Reinforcement Learning Positioning system uses machine learning to analyse attacking scenarios and adjust goalkeeper stance accordingly. In practice, this means keepers position themselves more intelligently. They’re not perfect – no FIFA or FC goalkeeper ever has been – but they’re considerably more reliable than last year. This is true especially if you often get frustrated when the goalkeeper blocks a ball and slap it back to another enemy’s player, rather than slapping it out of the field.
While you may see less goals because of this, it certainly doesn’t feel that way. If you play smartly like you used to be, you’ll still get that hard-earned goals.
FC 26 introduces two mew distinct gameplay presets: Competitive and Authentic. EA has gone the clever solution to the age-old debate between simulation and competitive play. In a nutshell, the Competitive mode is what you were accustomed to in previous FC games: a fast-paced, fun, adrenaline-rush action. It features faster passing, reduced crossing success, smarter goalkeeper rebounds, and more direct control. This preset emphasises skill and quick decision-making, making it ideal for online competition where responsiveness matters most.
The new Authentic preset brings a true-to-football feel, particularly suited to Career Mode. Defenders are more positionally responsible and corner success rates feel realistic rather than overpowered. This preset captures the flow of real football better than any previous FC or FIFA title.
You might want to try both presets to see what you like most but if this actually confuses you to what you’ve used to, just pick the Competitive mode and treat this new feature as if it’s never there.
The new Archetype system, inspired by greats of the game, adds welcome depth to Clubs and Player Career modes. Rather than building a generic player with high stats across the board, you select a base Archetype that defines your playing style and develop it throughout the season. You earn Archetype XP during matches, which lets you upgrade attributes and unlock Archetype Perks that give your player a truly distinct feel on the pitch. This system encourages specialisation and makes your created player feel more unique.
Football Ultimate Team has been refreshed with new ways to compete beyond the standard Rivals and Champions grind. Live Events introduce themed competitions with varying requirements and modified rules throughout the season, keeping content feeling fresh rather than repetitive.
Tournaments return with up to four rounds of knockout football, mixing up entry requirements, rewards, and squad rules. Gauntlets test your club depth by rotating squads across five matches, which is a clever way to make your entire squad relevant rather than just your starting eleven.
The Rivals and Champions experience has been revamped as well. You can now add Bounties to Rivals matches for additional rewards, which helps accelerate weekly progress. The new Challengers competition provides a second-tier weekend event designed for players in lower divisions, giving everyone something meaningful to compete for.
Perhaps most significantly, you now qualify for Champions solely through Division Ranks and Qualification Points instead of the previous Playoff system. This reduces the pressure and makes qualification feel more achievable for average players rather than just the elite.
Manager Career Mode introduces Manager Live Challenges throughout the season. These present real-world scenarios and alternative storylines that range from a few minutes of play to multiple seasons. Successfully completing challenges earns rewards including Season Points, Vanity items, and ICONs and Heroes to use in modern-day clubs.
Clubs has received significant attention in FC 26. Live Events bring variety throughout the season whether you’re playing solo or with teammates. These feature varying entry requirements, modified Rush gameplay, and alternate rules that create fresh opportunities to earn rewards all year round.
For the first time, you can affiliate with up to three clubs simultaneously, which is perfect for players who want to compete with different friend groups without constantly switching allegiances. The revamped Be-A-Goalkeeper system also allows you to become the last line of defence in Clubs Rush, adding positional variety that was previously missing.
The licensing package remains impressive, featuring over 20,000 players across 750+ clubs and national teams in more than 120 stadiums and 35+ leagues. FC 26 is the only place you can play the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Premier League, Bundesliga, LALIGA EA SPORTS, and CONMEBOL Libertadores in the same game. Basically if you want the best and most realistic real-life experience football game, this is it.
EA SPORTS FC 26 Review Conclusion
EA SPORTS FC 26 is the strongest entry in the franchise since the rebrand from FIFA and yes, every year it gets better and better. The community-driven gameplay improvements deliver enhancements that make the on-pitch experience more responsive and realistic. Whether you are playing offline by your own, online with random strangers, or on the couch with your friends (which is what I normally do most of the time), FC 26 delivers the best experience so far.
The dual gameplay presets address the simulation versus competitive debate, and you can now pick whichever you like most in terms of gameplay.
For football gaming fans, EA SPORTS FC 26 is an easy recommendation that justifies the annual purchase through meaningful improvements rather than just roster updates (though this in itself is already made it worth an upgrade). I’ve actually watched a bunch of technical videos with developers explaining the changes in detail and they are pretty impressive. Most of these are behind the scenes though so may or may not notice them, or even appreciate them. But they are there and they improve the FC 26 gameplay in various different things, making the game even more enjoyable to play.
Disclosure: EA SPORTS FC 26 review licence was supplied for reviewing. Reviewed on PS5.
