With FC 26 officially on the horizon, leaks and insider information are beginning to shed light on what's to come, including a potential open-world mode, an iconic cover lineup, and even the long-anticipated return of the World Cup feature. In this article, we break down all the key details surrounding FC 26, including the expected release date, new features, leaked Icons, pricing, platforms, and much more.
When Will EA FC 26 Be Released?
EA hasn't officially announced the release date of FC 26, but based on previous cycles, fans can expect the game to drop on September 26, 2025. The publisher is known for sticking to a late-September window, and barring any unexpected delays, that timeline seems highly probable.
An official reveal trailer is reportedly set for July 17, 2025, which will likely confirm the release date, available editions, and pre-order bonuses. Players who opt for the Ultimate Edition will enjoy up to seven days of early access, gaining access to the game as early as September 19, 2025.
EA FC 26 Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
Two editions are expected to be available at launch:
· Standard Edition
· Ultimate Edition
The Ultimate Edition is again expected to deliver more content and perks for players, especially those diving into Ultimate Team. According to a reputable leaker, here are the rumored pre-order bonuses for FC 26's Ultimate Edition:
· Untradeable Icon for your Ultimate Team
· 4,600 to 6,000 FC Points
· Additional Evolution Slot
· Season 1 Premium Pass
· 1 of 5 Player Pick 93+ Icon Evolution (FC 25 legacy item)
· Up to Seven Days of Early Access
These bonuses will undoubtedly entice hardcore fans of Ultimate Team and competitive online players who want a head start on building their dream teams.
EA FC 26 Prices
While not officially confirmed, EA FC 26 is expected to launch at $69.99 / £69.99 for the Standard Edition. The Ultimate Edition will likely cost around $99.99 / £99.99.
There's also a chance EA could push the price higher, potentially toward the $79.99 mark for the Standard Edition, following recent pricing trends across the industry. That said, any jump in price may trigger backlash from players, especially for an annual sports franchise.
Supported Platforms
EA has continued to support both current and last-gen consoles, and that trend appears set to continue. Here's where you'll likely be able to play FC 26:
· PlayStation 5
· PlayStation 4
· Xbox Series X|S
· Xbox One
· PC
· Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2
The inclusion of Nintendo Switch 2 is particularly exciting, as many fans hope for a full-featured version on the new hardware rather than the stripped-down “Legacy Editions” that plagued the original Switch.
Cover Stars of EA FC 26
EA has officially confirmed that Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala will grace the cover of the Standard Edition of FC 26. These two young stars represent the future of football and are fitting faces for a title that aims to evolve the franchise.
On the Ultimate Edition, the spotlight belongs to Zlatan Ibrahimović, who returns to EA Sports as an Icon. The legendary Swedish striker's inclusion is particularly notable given his past criticism of EA using his likeness without proper authorization. His appearance as both a cover star and an Icon card suggests that old tensions have been resolved — and that fans can look forward to playing as one of the most charismatic forwards in modern football history.
EA FC 26 Icon Cards (Leaked)
Each year, EA introduces new Icon players to Ultimate Team, and FC 26 appears to be no different. According to early leaks, 12 new Icons are set to be introduced, many of whom fans have long wanted to see. Here's the leaked list:
· Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden)
· Andrés 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)
This lineup strikes a balance between recently retired legends and historic figures from both the men's and women's games. The inclusion of Alex Morgan, Steffi Jones, and Sissi also continues EA's push for gender inclusivity, following the integration of women's football into Ultimate Team in FC 24.
Fan favorites like Iniesta, Totti, and Oliver Kahn have been on wishlists for years, and their return would be met with great enthusiasm.
Leaked Features Coming to EA FC 26
1. Open-World Mode (Avatar-Based Shared Environment)
If implemented, this mode could revolutionize the way players interact with the FC ecosystem. Think virtual football playgrounds, 5-a-side street matches, customizable avatars, and branded shops to buy gear and emotes — all part of a persistent social hub outside of traditional modes like Ultimate Team and Career Mode.
2. World Cup Mode
Following their split from FIFA, EA lost the official World Cup license — but that might be about to change. According to insider reports, EA is actively working to regain the rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This would pave the way for a standalone World Cup mode, similar to what fans enjoyed in FIFA 18 and FIFA 23, complete with licensed teams, authentic stadiums, and tournament simulation.
Given the global anticipation for the 2026 World Cup, its return in FC 26 would be a major selling point, especially for casual fans who don't always engage with Ultimate Team or Career Mode.
Final Thoughts
If the leaks and early information prove true, EA FC 26 could be the most transformative entry in the series in years. Between the rumored open-world mode, an impressive list of new Icons, potential World Cup licensing, and innovative pre-order content, the game is setting the stage for a landmark release.
The inclusion of Zlatan Ibrahimović as a cover Icon, Andrés Iniesta, Totti, and Oliver Kahn satisfies long-standing fan demands, while modern stars like Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala help push the franchise into a new era.
Of course, the success of EA FC 26 will ultimately depend on execution. EA has the ambition, licenses, and technical capability — now it just needs to deliver on player expectations.
Stay tuned for the official reveal on July 17, which will no doubt confirm much of the information detailed here, and potentially offer even more surprises.