EA Sports FC 26 (FIFA 26): Release Date, Editions, Early Access, Cross-Play, Specs, and Roadmap
16/09/2025 06:00
EA Sports FC 26 launches worldwide on September 26, 2025, with Ultimate Edition early access starting September 19, 2025 for players who pre-order by August 26.
The game arrives on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Two editions are available: Standard ($69.99) and Ultimate ($99.99). Cross-play and cross-progression are included within console families, and PC players benefit from updated system requirements and optimizations.
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Release Date, Platforms, and Editions
- Release date: September 26, 2025
- Early access: September 19, 2025 for Ultimate Edition pre-orders (deadline: August 26, 2025)
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC
- Editions: Standard ($69.99) and Ultimate ($99.99). Switch pricing trends slightly lower.
Cover Stars:
- Standard Edition: Jude Bellingham & Jamal Musiala
- Ultimate Edition: Zlatan Ibrahimović
Pre-Orders and Early Access
Players who pre-order the Ultimate Edition by August 26 receive:
- 7-day early access (September 19, 2025)
- Up to 6,000 FC Points (4,500 on Switch)
- Season 1 Premium Pass
- Extra Player Evolution slot
- Archetype Unlock consumable
- Double XP boosts
- Career Mode ICON players and staff bonuses
- Untradeable ICON item that upgrades post-launch
If you’re planning for Ultimate Team domination, you can buy FC 26 coins to give your squad a faster start and stay competitive from the very first week.
Cross-Play, Cross-Progression, and Version Differences
- Cross-Play: Limited to the same console generation. PS5 players match with PS5, Xbox Series X|S with each other, and PS4 with Xbox One.
- Cross-Progression: Progress carries within console families (PS4 → PS5, Xbox One → Xbox Series X|S) when tied to the same EA account.
Platform Notes:
- Xbox Ultimate Edition includes dual entitlement (One + Series X|S).
- Nintendo Switch editions have reduced FC Points and no crossover bonuses.
- PC players can access early through EA Play Pro.
PC System Requirements
Minimum Specs:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i5 6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
- GPU: GTX 1050 Ti 4GB / RX 570 4GB
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 50 GB
Recommended Specs:
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i7 9700K / Ryzen 7 3700X
- GPU: RTX 2070 Super 8GB / RX 6700 XT 10GB
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 50 GB on SSD
Setup Checklist:
- Install latest GPU drivers
- Update Windows + DirectX 12
- Free up 60 GB SSD space
- Disable background apps for smoother frame pacing
Post-Launch Roadmap
After release, EA Sports FC 26 will introduce:
- Seasonal live updates
- Expanded Rivals and Champs modes
- New Player Evolutions in Ultimate Team
- Career Mode Manager Live Challenges
- Ongoing updates for Clubs and VOLTA
Regular content drops will ensure that Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Clubs stay engaging throughout the year.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
- August 26, 2025: Pre-order cutoff for Ultimate Edition bonuses and early access.
- September 19, 2025: Ultimate Edition and EA Play Pro early access begins.
- September 26, 2025: Global launch across all platforms.
If your priority is early access and building an elite Ultimate Team, the Ultimate Edition is the smarter choice. For casual players focused on Career Mode, the Standard Edition delivers the essentials at a lower price.
To prepare for launch, free up storage space, update your system, and plan your club economy ahead of time. For safe digital purchases and upgrades, PlayPlex remains one of the best destinations for gamers worldwide