After the massive letdown that was EA SPORTS FC 25, which saw a staggering 44% drop in player count by the holidays and a half-price tag just months after launch, expectations for FC 26 couldn't be higher. But for the first time in years, the community's optimism might be justified. From stadium comebacks and gameplay changes to iconic additions and a renewed focus on Career Mode, FC 26 is shaping up to be a real return to form for the franchise.
That Celebration Mod Isn't Real (Yet)
Let's get this out of the way: no, we're not officially getting short-of-celebration animations in FC 26. While many fans believed a new animation was proof of this long-requested feature, it's been confirmed to be part of a mod. Still, EA is testing new animations in FC 25 Career Mode right now, which is standard practice before a major release. So while we might not get our wish just yet, the groundwork is being laid.
Camp Nou Returns (Finally), But Not in FC 26
One of the biggest news drops this week was about FC Barcelona's legendary Camp Nou stadium. Due to Konami's long-standing exclusivity with the club, it hasn't appeared in EA titles for years. But Konami's agreement with Barça is ending in June 2026, and thanks to new La Liga licensing regulations, Camp Nou is confirmed to return in FC 27.
This mirrors the situation with Borussia Dortmund, which just signed a fresh exclusive partnership with Konami's eFootball 2026. However, due to Bundesliga-wide rules, Signal Iduna Park will remain playable in EA's games—and La Liga seems to be following the same pattern for future titles.
Alex Morgan Returns as an Icon
One of the most exciting reveals is that Alex Morgan, the USWNT legend, will return in FC 26 as an Ultimate Team Icon. She'll be featured in a special pre-order trainer package, with her promo card available as a pre-order bonus. Her addition not only honors one of women's football's biggest stars but continues EA's momentum toward integrating men's and women's football in Ultimate Team more meaningfully.
Anfield Sneak Peek & Kit Teasers
A never-before-seen image of Anfield from FC 26 was recently leaked, showing off the newly updated stands. EA has yet to make an official statement because Liverpool's new Adidas partnership doesn't kick in until August 1st, which explains the blurred kits in early reveals. But the stadium looks stunning and fully re-rendered for next-gen platforms.
New Head Scans, Wonderkids & a Career Mode Renaissance
EA's official partner leagues are stepping up this year. The MLS recently posted a behind-the-scenes video showcasing EA Sports' head scanning tech, suggesting a major overhaul of in-game likenesses across many leagues, especially useful for Career Mode.
Speaking of Career Mode, new Brazilian wonderkids are already confirmed:
· Estevão – Now at Chelsea after scoring against them in the Club World Cup.
· Igor Jesus – Signed by Nottingham Forest from Botafogo.
We can also expect a flood of new talent from the Mexican League, which debuts fully licensed in FC 26. This opens up exciting squad-building options for career players looking to scout outside of Europe.
Bundesliga Goes All-In on Stadium Authenticity
In what is a major win for Career Mode fans, all 18 Bundesliga stadiums are now confirmed for FC 26. New additions include:
· Voith-Arena – Home of newly promoted Heidenheim.
· Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor – Home of Darmstadt, making its debut.
Even the 2. Bundesliga will feature 10 authentic stadiums, greatly improving immersion for fans of German football and second-division storylines.
New Icons, Fresh Designs & Ultimate Edition Bonuses
If you're planning on picking up the Ultimate Edition, you'll be able to choose one out of 15 new Icons at launch. EA has unveiled several new card designs for these players, offering fans a taste of what's to come for the FC 26 Ultimate Team aesthetic.
Community Feedback? EA's Listening
One of the biggest surprises is the early buzz surrounding FC 26. EA has created a dedicated FC 26 feedback page featuring never-before-seen screenshots and player radar updates. While some elements are hard to make out, fans with a good eye (and AI-enhancement tools) have noticed UI and gameplay tweaks that confirm this is FC 26 footage.
More importantly, EA's leadership reportedly stated that they've "never listened to the community more" than during this development cycle. And for once, the hype might be real.
A Turning Point for the Franchise?
After the debacle of FC 25, EA Sports had to come back swinging—and from everything we've seen so far, they just might have pulled it off. With new stadiums, iconic returns, Career Mode upgrades, and a fresh approach to community feedback, FC 26 feels like a genuine evolution rather than just another yearly refresh.
Final Thoughts
While not every wish is coming true (no short-of-celebration—yet), FC 26 is showing early signs of becoming the most community-responsive and feature-rich edition in years. With real competition on the horizon, EA had no choice but to raise the bar—and the fans are finally starting to feel excited again.