EA FC 27 is expected to launch globally on September 25, 2026, with EA Play and Ultimate Edition subscribers getting a seven-day head start. As the release date approaches, more and more information has leaked, including mentions of a series of new features for FC 27.

This article will provide a detailed analysis of the following eight features that may be added to FUT 27, helping you better understand the game.

FC The Grounds

Perhaps the most anticipated new feature is FC The Grounds. EA officially applied for the trademark for this mode on January 23, 2026, confirming its development. This is not just a new game mode, but an ambitious open-world social ecosystem.

Players can freely move their virtual avatars, interact with other players in real time, and experience various football activities beyond traditional matches. The center is expected to replace static menus with explorable environments, divided into multiple zones, with designs inspired by football powerhouses such as Brazil, England, France, and Argentina.

Players will be able to stroll through slum-style street football pitches, customize their teams at official brand stores like Nike or Adidas, and navigate naturally through various match types via exploration rather than list navigation. The development of FC The Grounds marks the series' biggest rebranding since its separation from FIFA.

New SBC System

In FIFA 27, Squad Building Challenges (SBC) system will be completely revamped, adopting a points-based submission system. There will be no longer strict rating and chemistry requirements; each card will have a points value.

For example, if an SBC requires 500 points, you can submit a high-value card or a combination of several low-rated cards to complete it. This significantly reduces the complexity of menu navigation and provides unprecedented flexibility in how SBCs are completed. Rare cards, special items, and high-rated players will have different points values, making your club management more strategic.

In addition to the points system, a one-click submission feature is also expected, allowing players to complete SBCs instantly when they have enough points. This eliminates the tedious process of manually selecting and submitting cards one by one, significantly speeding up SBC completion.

For players who spent hours browsing menus in FC 26, this single change is enough to completely transform their daily ultimate team experience.

Multiple Upgrade Paths for Evolutions

FC 27's evolution system is about to receive a major personalization upgrade. Reportedly, players will no longer be limited to linear preset upgrade paths, but can choose different attribute focuses for the same card.

For example, an evolution system with three upgrade stages allows players to choose specific attribute improvements at each stage, such as speed for wingers, passing for playmakers, or shooting for strikers.

Two players using different evolution paths may end up with drastically different cards due to their choices, making team lineups more personalized and reducing homogenization.

Evolution Reset Function

If you are not satisfied with an evolution choice, in FUT 27 you may be able to undo your previous choice, or even completely reset the evolution process to its initial state. This eliminates the anxiety of players making wrong choices and encourages them to try different upgrade paths.

Furthermore, if an attribute upgrade doesn't achieve the desired effect in actual gameplay, players can correct their mistakes promptly.

New Card Type

In Ultimate Team mode, EA Sports FC 26 will add a new card type called Hall of Fame, essentially adding another tier to the existing icon and hero cards.

Hall of Fame cards are designed for players hailed as heroes or legends in FIFA series, or simply fan favorites. Like Mohamed Salah last year, we might see a new highest-rated player.

Currently, Ousmane Dembélé is considered the highest-rated player to be added to Hall of Fame, but this could change at any time, depending on the final results of World Cup. Of course, the higher the player's rating, the more FUT 27 Coins will be required, so if you have a player you like, be sure to prepare enough funds.

Reduced AI Defense

One of the most significant changes to the gameplay in EA FC 27 is the substantial reduction in AI-assisted defense. Automatic tackles have been removed, teammate marking has been relaxed, and pressing in the three zones has been reduced. Therefore, defense relies more on player skill, positioning, and anticipation.

Meanwhile, the range of manual tackles has increased, man-marking movement speed has improved, and manual interceptions and blocks have been enhanced. This directly addresses the common complaint from FC 26 players that CPU was doing too much work on the defensive end.

Dynamic Set Pieces

The set-piece mechanic has been expanded in FUT 27, giving players greater control and more tactical options. Now, you can switch to a predetermined receiving target before the ball is delivered, allowing for more creative runs and more precise timing in corner kicks, free kicks, and other set-piece situations.

This feature creates more offensive possibilities for players and gives them greater freedom to execute their own tactics, rather than relying on preset options.

Project Assists

Rumors suggest that HyperMotion system will be replaced by Project Assist. This new technology will use 12 4K cameras to film matches weekly in 36 real stadiums and import the footage directly into the game, achieving unprecedented realism in player movements.

This concludes our analysis of the potential new features in EA FC 27. We expect more detailed information to emerge in the future, so let's look forward to it!

Chasing Greatness Evolution in EA SPORTS FC 26 requires 35,000 Coins to unlock, and the attribute boosts it provides make the price worthwhile for players to seriously consider.

This project can transform a solid card into a truly dangerous weapon; however, the entry requirements are very strict, so choosing the right player cards is crucial for beginners.

This article will provide a guide to FUT 26 Chasing Greatness Evolution to help you better complete this project.

About Chasing Greatness Evolution

Chasing Greatness Evolution is one of the most valuable paid upgrades in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team mode. It launched on June 30, 2026, with a 10-day submission window and a total completion time of 17 days.

Chasing Greatness Evolution targets player types often overlooked in the fast-paced Rivals mode - defensive midfielders or creative attacking midfielders with top-tier passing attributes but only around 70 speed - aiming to enhance their speed and ability to evade defenders.

Now, players can upgrade a basic card (maximum rating 93) to a 95-rated creator card for just 35,000 coins + 200 FC 26 Points, making it truly competitive with top-tier promotional cards. The submission window is 10 days, and the total time to complete the challenge is 17 days.

Player Requirements

Before spending FIFA 26 Coins, please ensure your target card meets the requirements. The evolution feature completely disables goalkeepers and center-backs, and the rating cap means your highest-rated attacker is also unavailable. Specific requirements are as follows:

• Overall Rating: Max 93
• PlayStyles+: Max 3
• PlayStyles: Max 10
• Excluded Positions: CB (and GK by extension)
• Excluded Rarity: World Tour Silver Superstars

Most players overlook the fact that PlayStyles+ cap is 3. A card with 4 PlayStyles+ is unusable, so please carefully check this attribute before acquiring evolution eligibility. Once unlocked, the cost is non-refundable. Therefore, please ensure that your chosen card meets all requirements.

Total Upgrades

FUT 26 Chasing Greatness Evolution route significantly improves a player's passing and movement abilities and is divided into 3 levels. Each level requires playing one match in Squad Battles mode at least on Semi-Pro difficulty, or joining your team in Rush, Rivals, Champions, or Live Events using an active evolved player.

Level 1

• Upgrade: Overall Rating +2, Acceleration +10, Sprint Speed ​​+10
• Challenge: Play 1 match using your currently active evolved player.

Level 2

• Upgrade: Weak Foot +4, Vision +10, Crossing +10, Free Kick Accuracy +10
• Challenge: Play 1 match using your currently active evolved player.

Level 3

• Upgrade: Short Passing +15, Long Passing +15, Curve +10
• Challenge: Play 1 match using your currently active evolved player.

Best Player Selection

Chasing Greatness Evolution is designed specifically for FIFA 26 clubs with overall ratings of 85-91 that are not yet activated. Here are the best player types for this project, let's take a look:

Deep-Lying Playmakers (CM/CDM)

Suitable for basic gold card players like Toni Kroos, Rodri, Marco Verratti, or Ilkay Gündogan. These midfielders boast speed exceeding 70 and top-tier passing ability. With a +10 speed bonus and a +15 long pass bonus, they become true all-around midfield organizers. Simultaneously, the increased speed allows them to quickly break free of defenders after an interception.

Old-School CAM / Shadow Strikers

Players can consider basic or enhanced cards like Fabián Ruiz, James Rodríguez, Bruno Fernandes, or Julián Álvarez. These players possess excellent passing awareness but lack the explosiveness to evade opposing defenders. A +15 short pass bonus and a +10 curve bonus can elevate their keypass efficiency to FC 26 Best XI (TOTS) level.

Traditional Wingers Who Cross

Any RM/LM with insane whip but lower pace benefits enormously. +10 crossing ability, stacked on top of already high crossing attributes, allows them to perform as well as Whipped Pass PlayStyle, even without considering the enhanced PS+ effect.

Slow Icons in Your Club

If you acquired a base Legendary player like Xavi or Iniesta with an overall rating of 89-92 through Legendary Player Exchange, this evolution will make them effective again in fast-paced matches. The requirement of a maximum overall rating of 93 means that most base Legendary players and lower-tier Heroes in FUT 26 quality.

Is It Worth?

The answer is definitely yes, for a passing player with an overall rating of 90-93. The calculation is simple: a +2 overall rating boost brings it to 92-95, a +15 passing ability boost makes it surpass most TOTS-level passers in chance creation, and a +10 speed boost closes the gap with mainstream players.

Ultimately, for just 35,000 coins + 200 FC 26 points, you can get a player with a market value equivalent to over 250,000. In addition, this is a good lineup option for passers with an overall rating of 87-89; however, it's not recommended for those below 87, as their potential is not high enough.

General Tips

If you are new to FUT 26 evolution system, please remember the following basics:

Untradeable Warning

Once you submit a player for evolution, the player card becomes untradeable, and this status is permanent. Therefore, make sure you really want to keep the player.

Active Slots

Most players can activate two evolution slots simultaneously, while Ultimate Edition or EA Play Pro users can activate three.

Claiming Rewards

After completing a level's challenge, you must manually return to the evolution menu to claim the upgrade reward before proceeding to the next level.

Best Choice

Squad Battles are the best choice. To quickly complete evolutions, playing 4-minute half-court Squad Battles on Semi-Pro difficulty is the most efficient way to farm matches.

This concludes our detailed explanation of EA SPORTS FC 26 Chasing Greatness Evolution. If your team needs a fast, strong passer striker or winger, then this evolution event is perfect for you. Time is limited, so try it out now!

Dear players, EA Sports FC 26 has now reached endgame. While the game offers over a hundred fancy moves, only a limited number are truly effective in The World's Game. However, after recent FC 26 patches, dribbling feel and the practical effectiveness of skill moves have reached a top level.

Currently, five moves in FC 26 are widely considered by players to be the most efficient and worthwhile core skill moves to practice:

• Advanced Roulette
• Ball-Roll Scoop Turn
• Flair Nutmeg
• McGeady Spin Cancel
• Step Over Ball

Advanced Roulette

In EA FC 26, if you want a reliable one-on-one dribbling technique, you'll definitely think of a five-star skill move: Advanced Roulette.

Its core value lies in its ability to break through defenses with a smooth lateral change of direction, whether you're on the wing, near the penalty area, or in a tight space inside the box, as long as you're facing direct pressure from a defender.

In FC 26, the specific controls are: on a PS controller, press and hold R1 and L2 simultaneously; on an Xbox controller, press and hold RB and LT simultaneously.

Then use the right analog stick to draw a semi-circular arc from the opposite direction of the player's movement until it ends in the direction he is moving.

For example, if your player is dribbling to the right, you need to start the right analog stick semi-circle from the left and slide it to the right.

The brilliance of this Advanced Roulette move lies in its ability to cleanly and decisively evade a defender charging head-on, and also to be used for subtle position adjustments within the penalty area, creating a better angle for a shot.

During the intense knockout stages of FIFA 26 The World’s Game, using the clean and decisive Advanced Roulette move when necessary can not only help you escape danger but also create space for subsequent shots.

Ball-Roll Scoop Turn

This five-star combo is widely considered the strongest and most difficult-to-defend consecutive move in FC 26 because it seamlessly connects two basic moves, creating a highly deceptive change of direction.

To initiate the move, begin with the flicking motion: pull the right stick to the player's left or right, then input scoop command the instant the flicking animation begins.

Then, simultaneously, use the left stick forward in the direction you want to move away.

This causes the player to quickly complete a turn and change direction after the flick, a smooth and unpredictable process.

If you're inside the penalty area, it can instantly shake off close defenders; if you're cutting inside from the wing, it allows you to suddenly cut into the center from the outside.

Top players in FUT 26 often choose Ball-Roll Scoop Turn skill move to make it difficult for their opponents to predict which direction they are going.

Flair Nutmeg

While Flair Nutmeg is a four-star freestyle move, against World Cup-level defense, it combines speed and directional versatility for tactical value.

The controls are very simple: just hold down R1 and L1, or RB and LB simultaneously, and then move the right stick in the direction you want the player to ultimately face.

It's worth noting that the system triggers different animation effects depending on the direction the right stick is moved. Moving it to the right or left of the player's body will result in a very quick lateral change of direction.

Another highlight of Flair Nutmeg is, when you activate Flair Nutmeg animation, if you immediately press the pass button, the passing lane will become much wider and more accurate because the defender's center of gravity has been shifted.

McGeady Spin Cancel

McGeady Spin Cancel is the most difficult but also the most rewarding five-star fancy move in this recommendation. Once you master it, it can become one of the most troublesome moves for defenders in the penalty area.

First, flick the right stick in the player's current direction of travel, then quickly flick it again to the player's right or left to trigger McGeady Spin's initial animation.

In the quick instant at the start of the animation, immediately press R2 and L2 (PS) or RT and LT (Xbox) simultaneously to cancel the move, and at the same time, push the left stick in the exact opposite direction.

After completing this sequence, your player will execute an extremely tight stop, ball control, and reverse turn, keeping the ball between both feet, making it almost impossible for the opponent to intercept in such a confined space.

The reason McGeady Spin Cancel is considered the best option in the penalty area is that when shooting angles are blocked, this move allows you to instantly complete a 180-degree turn and find a new shooting path.

Because the cancellation timing is only a split second, the opponent's vision and anticipation cannot keep up with your change, making this move virtually unbeatable in FIFA 26.

Step Over Ball

If you want to quickly change direction at the edge of or inside the penalty area, while maintaining a relatively simple operation, then Step Over Ball is the most reliable choice.

Hold down L1 (PS) or LB (Xbox), and like performing a Berba Spin, first flick the right stick in the direction the player is moving, then quickly flick the right stick in the direction you want to break away from. The player will then perform a quick Step Over Ball.

This move is triggered very quickly, and the ball remains between the player's legs throughout the movement, making it difficult for the opponent to steal it.

Compared to the moves mentioned earlier, Step Over Ball's advantages lie in its low learning curve, high margin for error, and extremely short animation delay.

It's perfect for incorporating into your daily offensive system as a regular change of direction, especially under high-intensity pressure of The World's Game, where its stability and immediate effect are particularly outstanding.

Choose the move that suits you best and practice diligently, then unleash the full power of these skill moves to win the World Cup in FC 26!

The official unveiling of the annual football blockbuster EA Sports FC 27 is fast approaching. While fans await the full announcement, a wealth of intelligence regarding new features, fresh technologies, and upgraded game modes has already surfaced.

EA FC 27 is set to introduce numerous innovations, covering visual presentation, new engines, and AI-driven tactical systems. Just how transformative will these additions prove for EA FC franchise? Let us sift through the confirmed information and leaks to find out.

EA Advertising System

Let us begin with some unwelcome news. The official studio behind EA Sports FC has recently launched a brand-new commercial feature called EA Advertising. This function will debut in FC 27 and is slated for expansion into other EA Sports titles.

Brands can apply and arrange compensation directly through the official website, allowing their logos to appear in prominent locations such as pitch-side hoardings within the game. Consequently, players will encounter a large number of corporate advertisements from diverse industries and brands.

The studio also plans to offer advertisers customised challenges, interactive experiences, virtual items, and sponsorship opportunities tied to major sporting events. According to officials, within these interactive gaming environments, the brand becomes part of the game itself.

It remains unclear exactly how the ad system will be integrated. Should the developers manage to weave it into the gameplay mechanics rather than placing intrusive banners over the centre of the screen and obstructing the player's view, then the community might receive it with greater acceptance.

TRACAB Technology

The parent company of EA FC has officially acquired TRACAB Technologies, and this will serve as a core technological pillar for FC 27 and future EA Sports games.

A few weeks ago, the studio used this technology to recreate an entire real-time match between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, even inserting game-engine-generated clips during the half-time interval. That technical demonstration showcased its formidable ability to process real-time data and generate movement on the fly.

This technology is not exclusive to FC series. The studio has confirmed that TRACAB will also be incorporated into Madden NFL franchise, enabling instantaneous recreation of real-match action data within the game environment.

At present, this technology remains in an early exploratory phase of testing and learning, with ongoing feedback being collected from creators, partners, and players.

Although there is no guarantee that FC 27 will come fully equipped with every available function, it is certain that this technology will be comprehensively adopted across EA Sports games in the future, further elevating the sense of authenticity.

Notably, EA has already begun trialling this technology in FC 26, particularly in goalkeeper movements, where emotion and reaction simulations based on real data have been introduced. It is foreseeable that EA FC 27 will push this direction even further, making each player's movement and behaviour more distinctive than ever before.

NVIDIA DLSS5 Technology

NVIDIA's latest-generation AI-enhanced image upscaling technology, DLSS5, is scheduled for an official release in autumn 2026, which coincides perfectly with FC 27's September launch window.

DLSS5 can greatly improve the game's rendering efficiency and visual detail, especially in areas such as turf textures, player models, and lighting effects.

This technology could well be the key that enables EA FC series to achieve a significant leap in graphical performance, delivering a visual difference that far surpasses any previous annual iteration.

FCIQ System Upgrade

FCIQ will return in FC 27 with a major overhaul. Combined with the vast match data provided by TRACAB, FCIQ may evolve from a role-based system into a context-based intelligent framework.

Players will no longer be locked into a single tactical role; instead, they will automatically adjust their behaviour and positioning according to the phase of play.

AI will recognise real-time on-pitch situations, such as actively charging into open space during transitional attacks, protecting the central channel when defending, and deliberately controlling tempo against compact defensive lines.

The new system goes beyond individual instructions to simulate the collective tactical identity of real teams at the overall level, making each team's playing style more recognisable.

The AI will be capable of clearly distinguishing multiple states, including build-up play, set-piece attacks, defensive transitions, and counter-attacks, and will adjust the entire team's behaviour accordingly.

Leveraging TRACAB's tracking data, the system will replicate each player's unique running habits, decision-making tendencies, off-ball movement, defensive coverage, and other individual traits, so that the differences between players become even more pronounced.

While FCIQ upgrade is eagerly anticipated, many veteran players have expressed nostalgia for Custom Formation feature. In FC 26's career mode, players were forced to use preset templates and could not freely drag player positions. It is hoped that the enhanced FCIQ system will grant users greater freedom in this regard.

PlayStyles

Leaked information suggests that the studio will significantly expand PlayStyles system by introducing new situational traits that activate automatically based on the real-time flow of the match. Certain special abilities may only take effect during high-pressure moments late in the game, while others might become stronger when the team is defending a lead or chasing an equaliser.

For now, we do not yet know how powerful these new PlayStyles will be, but it is highly likely that some of them, much like Finesse Shot, will influence a player's overall value. Those possessing several key situational traits will command a higher amount of FC 27 coins.

This should, in turn, affect tactical planning and decision-making, thereby generating richer strategic variety in Ultimate Team and other competitive modes, discouraging players from relying on the same tactics every match.

Career Mode

York City Joins

For those who relish Career Mode, one piece of good news is that York City has officially become a licensed club in FC 27. York City is a team newly promoted to English Football League 2 in 2026. You can choose this lower-league side to start your managerial journey, facing real-world challenges such as limited funds and a thin squad, which will undoubtedly add greater strategic depth and a sense of achievement to the manager experience.

Appearance Customisation

Compared with previous instalments, FC 27's Career Mode will offer richer customisation options for player appearance. Users will be able to equip knee braces, freely adjust sock length, and even add hole effects to socks.

Based on the information available so far, the studio appears intent on shaping EA FC 27 as a next-generation football title, poised to undergo comprehensive evolution in both visuals and AI. Whether it will actually become more enjoyable to play, however, remains an open question.

EA SPORTS FC 26 introduces an engaging new mode within Ultimate Team (FUT): Penalty Shootout Mode.

Unlike standard full matches, this mode focuses exclusively on the penalty shootout phase. It is highly entertaining and serves as an excellent way to quickly complete objectives.

Below, I provide a detailed overview of the gameplay, as well as the mode's pros and cons.

Gameplay

Penalty Shootout Mode is a standalone feature in FUT 26 that allows players to jump straight into a shootout without playing a full match.

To play, navigate to "Play" tab in FUT main menu and locate the dedicated entry point for the penalty shootout mode. Alternatively, you can quickly access it via the shortcut menu (by holding LT button).

The mode supports both solo play - where you control your team against an AI opponent - and cooperative play, allowing you to team up with friends to face either AI or online opponents.

However, there is a daily limit of 12 matches; this cap applies to the total number of games played across both solo and co-op modes.

Gameplay Flow

Upon entering Penalty Shootout Mode, players bypass the standard match phases and proceed directly to the shootout.

FC 26 employs real-world penalty shootout rules: teams take turns shooting, with each side attempting one kick per round. The team with the most goals after five rounds wins. If the score remains tied after five rounds, the match enters a "Sudden Death" phase, where teams continue to alternate kicks until a winner is decided.

As in real life, a shootout typically lasts between 3 and 5 minutes - significantly shorter than a full match (which takes about 10 to 15 minutes). This allows players to complete multiple matches in a short timeframe, making it a highly time-efficient mode.

Operating Instructions

Let's start with the controls for the attacking player. The penalty system in FC 26 combines directional aiming with power control. When taking a penalty, players must manage aiming, power, and timing for accuracy simultaneously.

Players must use the left stick to adjust the shot direction while controlling shot power via the duration of the button press; excessive power causes the ball to fly high or wide, while insufficient power makes it easy for the goalkeeper to make the save.

Furthermore, the final placement of the shot depends not only on aim and power but also on the penalty taker's "Penalties" and "Composure" attributes. Players with higher ratings in these areas experience less aiming deviation and perform more consistently under pressure.

Next, let's look at the defensive mechanics. During the penalty shootout, the defending player controls the goalkeeper to make saves, specifically managing the dive direction and making fine adjustments to the goalkeeper's positioning.

Players select the dive direction using the left stick, prompting the goalkeeper to dive that way; before the opponent takes the kick, players can also slightly adjust the goalkeeper's stance to try and disrupt the taker's decision-making.

Ultimately, the penalty shootout is a psychological battle between the taker and the goalkeeper.

The taker must gauge the goalkeeper's diving tendencies and choose the opposite direction or a difficult angle that is hard to reach; conversely, the goalkeeper must anticipate the taker's aiming habits and make a preemptive move.

Advantages and Limitations

As a brand-new mode introduced in FC 26, Penalty Shootout Mode has both advantages and limitations. Overall, its strengths are significant while its drawbacks are negligible; here is a brief overview.

Advantages

The most notable advantage of Penalty Shootout Mode is its speed and accessibility; it is ideal for completing various "Objectives" to quickly earn FC 26 Coins, once you have Coins, you can use them to redeem player cards and strengthen your team.

Objectives often include tasks such as "complete X matches", "play matches using players from a specific country or continent", or "score X goals" - tasks that usually require a significant time investment.

However, because Penalty Shootout Mode is fast-paced - with matches concluding in just a few minutes - and places fewer demands on overall player stats, these Objectives can be completed rapidly within this mode. This is particularly true for the second type of task, which sometimes requires using obscure FIFA 26 player cards - cards with ratings that might make it difficult to win a match of moderate or high difficulty.

Previously, players had to rack their brains to find suitable matches for these specific cards; now, however, they can simply take them into Penalty Shootout Mode to complete the tasks with ease.

Limitations

However, FUT 26's Penalty Shootout Mode is not without its flaws. First, you cannot complete every type of Objective in this mode; tasks requiring a "two-goal winning margin", a "clean sheet", or a "goal from outside the box", for instance, still need to be completed in standard matches.

Second, the rewards offered in this mode are somewhat limited; it is primarily suited for grinding through Objectives. If you are looking to earn rewards through the gameplay itself, standard modes are a better choice.

Third, the fast-paced nature of Penalty Shootout Mode places high demands on your internet connection.

Given that FC 26 is notorious for persistent network latency issues, players should be prepared for lag to affect aiming precision and power control, potentially leading to wayward penalties or mistimed saves.

That concludes the detailed overview of EA SPORTS FC 26's new match mode: Penalty Shootout Mode. Overall, it is a highly convenient mode for grinding Objectives, saving players a great deal of time and effort.

Of course, it is also a great fit for players who simply enjoy the fast-paced, high-tension thrill of penalty shootouts.

In recent years, community discussions surrounding EA FC 26 have been steadily escalating, and the focus of the controversy has shifted beyond simple game mechanic adjustments to deeper issues. A growing number of voices are questioning whether this series, which has long defined the standards of football games, is truly developing or gradually deviating from players' expectations.

For many long-time players, EA FC 26 is more than just entertainment; it represents a long-standing habit and emotional connection. This is why players have much higher expectations for its quality and stability than for other similar titles.

However, when the frequent adjustments to FC 26's game mechanics create a significant gap between the actual player experience and reality, this long-accumulated trust and emotional connection are amplified into disappointment and controversy.

Update Pace

In the current Ultimate Team mode, loyal FC series players have gradually lost motivation to participate. The reason isn't just a single gameplay issue, but the overall pace of change is too frequent; a single patch can completely alter the game experience.

FIFA 26, by constantly releasing Promos and Evolution content, makes players feel outdated if they don't play for a short period. This design intensifies the pressure of participation rather than pure competitive enjoyment. In this environment, even players who enjoy FUT 26 will gradually switch to other modes, such as Career Mode or other football games, to reduce the psychological burden.

Furthermore, with the continuous expansion of EA FC 26's card system, evolution mechanics, and other content, new cards are constantly being released and old cards are quickly becoming obsolete, diluting the value of your invested time and FC 26 Coins. Some players even believe that this design encourages continuous spending rather than providing a purely competitive experience.

Gameplay Changes

EA FC 26 has shifted from its original fast-paced, high-scoring matches to a system that emphasizes defensive AI and physical confrontation. Mechanics like R1 dribbling were very strong in the early meta era, allowing players to enjoy fast-paced, high-scoring games. However, after subsequent FUT 26 patches strengthened defense, matches became slower and more reliant on AI positioning, thus diminishing the overall experience.

The biggest point of contention in the community right now centers on the increased emphasis on overall defensive AI. When AI defensive assistance becomes too strong, it diminishes the value of manual ball control, reading passing lanes, and seizing the right moment for tackles.

This design makes player defense overly reliant on automatic system decisions rather than player input, thus weakening the skill gap. This change directly affects the game's controllability.

While real-world football does lean more towards tactics and defense, FIFA 26 should aim for a more exciting emotional experience, such as breaking through defenses, long-range shots, and skillful dribbling - all highly responsive elements. Players want clear feedback of competitive spirit, not an uncertain win-loss experience hampered by AI or system mechanics.

However, obliterating AI assistance must be nursed, as this would also affect the game experience for novice or casual players. EA's challenge lies in striking a balance between showcasing skill and ease of use, rather than simply removing assistance altogether.

Furthermore, players believe that FC 26 needs to reduce the dominance of playing styles and place more emphasis on core attributes of player cards, such as vision, shooting, and power. This would increase the differentiation between players and shift the game mechanics from attribute stacking to more long-term team characteristics.

Communication Differences

Comparing FC 26 to eFootball and another football game, GOALS, a key difference lies in the speed of communication. In some emerging football games, development teams adjust mechanics based on community feedback in a short time. For example, if an overly strong defense leads to a decline in the attacking experience, a hotfix patch is often released quickly to correct it.

GOALS responded to player feedback and planned hotfixes within 48 hours of an update. In contrast, the main dissatisfaction with EA FC 26 focuses on the lack of transparency in communication and update pacing. Some key updates generate a lot of negative feedback after release, but the developers rarely explain or respond immediately, instead waiting a long time before releasing new patches to fix them.

This delayed fix pattern makes some FC 26 players feel that problems are being ignored for a long time, even affecting the continuity of FC series experience.

UI Optimization

The user interface and menu feedback in EA FC 26 are among the most criticized aspects by players. Early FIFA games - especially FIFA 21 to FIFA 23 - had a more consistent visual style, even if they weren't perfect in terms of speed and structure.

FUT 26's current UI design focuses on modular content and a live service panel, which may feel cluttered and lack the feel of live sports broadcasts. A simpler layout, faster navigation, and a more distinct visual theme would likely be more effective in improving user retention than most gameplay tweaks.

From the perspective of FC 26 players, the core demands are not complicated: clearer control feedback, a more stable game pace, and a more transparent update communication mechanism. If these fundamental experiences cannot be balanced, no matter how many iterations and upgrades EA FC series undergoes, it ultimately cannot regain the trust players have placed in the series over the long term.

As the World Cup schedule enters the final stretch of the group stage, the in-game Ultimate Team celebrations in FIFA 26, which have already seen several promotional events, are reaching their midpoint. This Friday marks the launch of the third promo: Glory Hunters.

This event brings a new batch of player cards with special boosts, but it also serves as a reminder to wrap up Greats of the Game promo quickly so you don't miss out on any players you haven't yet acquired.

Below, we outline the key details of Glory Hunters promo to help you maximize your FC 26 gains within the limited time available.

Glory Hunters release date

As part of FUT 26 World Cup celebrations, this promo consists of two teams released in stages. Team 1 launches this Friday, June 26, and runs until the following Friday, July 3. Team 2 will follow immediately, concluding a week later on July 10.

Although both teams fall under Glory Hunters banner, each is only available for one week. Aside from specific SBC or Objective reward cards, these players can only be unlocked during their respective weeks; once the period ends, opening packs will yield cards from the next promo instead.

Furthermore, two additional promos await after Glory Hunters concludes, ensuring there are always goals to strive for in FIFA 26 right up until the World Cup ends.

How to obtain Glory Hunters player items?

Glory Hunters player cards generally fall into two categories based on how they are obtained: standard cards and fixed rewards. The latter are earned by completing specific SBCs or Objectives.

Standard cards can be obtained through packs or the transfer market. Packs can be earned by completing SBCs (Squad Building Challenges) and Objectives or trade for them in the game store using points. Naturally, pack rarity varies, and securing higher-tier packs increases your chances of better rewards.

However, even high-tier packs do not guarantee a specific desired player due to the randomness of drop rates, making the transfer market a crucial alternative.

Players will list duplicate or unwanted FIFA 26 Glory Hunters cards on the transfer market, allowing you to purchase exactly the ones you need.

Note, however, that these transactions are typically conducted using coins. To avoid the situation where you find a card you love but lack the necessary coins, you can buy FC 26 coins in advance at M8X.com.

Even if you miss the initial Glory Hunters event window, cards will probably remain available on the market, though they may need more coins than during the promotion itself. This makes having a sufficient coin balance even more important.

As for completing SBCs and Objectives, veteran players are likely already familiar with the process. SBCs set specific requirements, and you simply need to build a standard 11-player squad that meets those criteria.

Objectives operate as a more extensive system; a single overarching objective often comprises multiple tasks. You earn partial rewards for completing individual tasks, but the ultimate reward is only unlocked once every task is finished. Promotional player cards frequently serve as these ultimate rewards.

It is also worth noting that some objective tasks now offer FoF Tokens as a reward. This is a special currency used during the World Cup celebration event, allowing you to redeem rewards, including more packs, in a limited-time store.

Confirmed Team 1 Lineup

The lineup for FC 26 Glory Hunters Team 1, set to launch this Friday, has already been leaked. If any of these players catch your eye, be sure to prepare early and work towards acquiring them over the coming week using the methods mentioned above.

Standard Cards:

• Lionel Messi
• Neymar Jr.
• Ousmane Dembélé
• Virgil van Dijk
• Bruno Fernandes
• João Cancelo
• Federico Valverde
• Moisés Caicedo
• Thibaut Courtois
• Yassine Bounou
• Ayase Ueda
• Kevin Danso
• Josip Stanišić
• Okafor
• Crysencio Summerville
• Çağlar Söyüncü
• Andrés Cubas
• Roberto Alvarado
• Marko Arnautović
• Mohammed Kanno

SBC & Objective Reward Cards:

• Vozinha
• Kim Seung Gyu
• Cristian Romero
• Donyell Malen
• Anthony Gordon
• Kai Havertz
• Breel Embolo

If you follow football, you'll recognize plenty of big-name stars in this lineup. Even if your current squad is already formidable, these cards are worth adding to your collection!

What makes Glory Hunters player cards special?

To encourage participation, promotional player cards are usually more powerful or feature special boosts unavailable on standard cards. Glory Hunters promo specifically selects players who have excelled on the real-world pitch and equips them with customizable PlayStyles and PlayStyles+.

All FUT 26 player cards, whether standard or special promotional versions, come with a set of attributes indicating the player's proficiency in various areas, such as pace, stamina, and more.

While most stats correlate with a player's real-world abilities, PlayStyles and PlayStyles+ are an exception. They function more like game-exclusive bonuses that can provide surprising advantages in specific match situations.

PlayStyles and PlayStyles+ function similarly, but the latter further enhances a player's animations, speed, and success rates.

PlayStyles and PlayStyles+ available in FUT 26 fall into categories such as shooting, passing, ball control/dribbling, defending/physicality, and goalkeeper-specific traits; however, their specific effects are fixed.

In contrast, Glory Hunters player cards allow you to customize PlayStyles or PlayStyles+, enabling you to build a unique player, or even an entire squad, and unlock unprecedented advantages and diverse gameplay possibilities.

That covers the key details of FUT 26 Glory Hunters event. SBCs and Objectives offering packs and new cards will be updated continuously once the promo begins, so be sure to keep track of them and complete them! Best of luck to you and the World Cup team you support (if you have one)!

Even with three months until release, players are already eagerly anticipating Career Mode in EA FC 27, as the current Career Mode in FC 26 fell short of expectations, consistently revealing areas for improvement.

So, what should FC 27's Career Mode look like to be considered a satisfactory solution?

Starting Setup

FC 26 had significant limitations in customization during the initial Career Mode setup. Therefore, greatly expanding the freedom of initial settings in FC 27 would be a crucial improvement.

Specifically, FIFA 27 should allow players complete autonomy in choosing their starting age and initial ability values, creating challenging scenarios of varying difficulty.

Simultaneously, all legendary players should be unlocked in the character pool for immediate selection, greatly enriching the starting character choices and providing players with sufficient motivation each time they start a new Career Mode session.

Immersive Main Menu and Dynamic Backgrounds

Furthermore, EA FC 27 should ideally move beyond its current static and unimmersed main menu design, introducing a dynamic background environment that changes based on the player's real-time status.

For example, if a player is at home, the menu background will display the player's residence; if the player is playing outside, the background will switch to the landmarks of the city where the match is taking place.

If FC 27 can refine these subtle visual changes, players will be able to continuously perceive their character's location or story stage.

The upper right corner of the menu could also display an indicator of the player's current location. This information could be closely linked to the storylines of the player's sponsors, triggering exclusive marketing event cutscenes, seamlessly integrating the player's off-field life details into the entire interface, and enhancing the narrative immersion.

Transfer and Contract Mechanisms

FUT 26's player transfer and contract mechanisms have been a heavily criticized aspect, especially its unreasonable goal-achievement evaluation system.

Even if a player scores 40 goals in a single season, they will still be considered to have failed if they haven't completed a certain number of bicycle kicks. Therefore, EA FC 27 should design a completely new agent system based on realistic logic, making transfer feasibility strictly dependent on multiple factors such as the target club's squad needs, player value, salary budget, and the intensity of competition for the same position.

For example, logically, Real Madrid, already possessing Mbappe, would not be interested in another top striker.

Furthermore, the new mechanism should restore the right to free transfers, allowing players to fulfill their existing contracts by refusing to renew, thus joining their desired teams at a lower transfer fee or even for free at the end of their contracts. If FIFA 27 can achieve this, it will greatly enhance the depth of negotiations.

During contract negotiations, cutscenes similar to those in Manager Career Mode could be introduced, allowing players and clubs to negotiate salaries, contract lengths, and various terms. Features such as random club offers should also be reinstated, as the lack of these elements severely diminishes the realism of transfers.

Off-Field Player Life

In Ultimate Team mode, FC 27 coins are the core of team building, while the salaries earned by players in Career Mode have almost no practical use. Therefore, a complete Career Mode must include rich content about players' lives off the field, giving their high salaries and commercial value a real purpose.

Therefore, FIFA 27 could consider adding a sponsor tier system. As a player's reputation increases, sports brands and cross-industry companies will actively seek partnerships.

Each sponsor would not only provide players with jersey and equipment restrictions but also trigger cutscenes, social media interactions, and significantly increase the player's income streams.

Going further, introducing a complete lifestyle store system is also possible, allowing players to unlock real estate, luxury cars, and luxury goods with their salaries. Furthermore, these elements can be actually presented in various cutscenes, linking their consumption behavior to the characters.

Internal Competition Among Players

In EA FC 26, a player's status and playing time within the team depended solely on the head coach's satisfaction rating. This easily led to extreme situations where a player started every game if the head coach was satisfied and remained on the bench if the coach wasn't.

To change this in FC 27, a simple solution is to introduce a more refined team ranking system. This system should comprehensively consider a player's current ability, recent performance, and relationship with the head coach, further refining the competition order for each position.

This means that even if a player's performance dips slightly, they can still get playing time if their direct competitors are in worse form or have lower ability.

Furthermore, EA FC 27 should incorporate more realistic squad rotation logic. Top players shouldn't be overexerted with energy in unimportant cup matches, but rather substitute players should be given valuable experience.

Furthermore, to improve this system, player ratings should be reset when a club changes coaches, forcing all positional competition and tactical adaptations to start afresh, introducing numerous variables.

For example, a player might benefit from a new coach's tactical system and be reborn, or lose their starting position because of tactical incompatibility.

Matchday Experience

FC 27 could definitely consider adding a pre-match warm-up segment to Matchday, allowing us to control the players as they practice in a gradually filling stadium, enhancing the immersive experience of the match.

FC 27 could also try designing a smart fast-forward mode to solve the problem of players just waiting around when they don't have the ball to play.

When the ball is far enough away from your character that you can't immediately participate in attack or defense, the game should accelerate appropriately until possession returns. This would make the game more fast-paced for players, saving considerable unused time.

So, this is the ideal design for Career Mode in FC 27. If these features could be implemented in FC 27, it would definitely attract a large number of new players!

On June 21st, EA SPORTS FC 26 officially launched a new SBC - 1 of 10 88+ Historical Player Pick, which will run until July 5th.

The 1 of 10 88+ Historical Player Pick can be considered the ultimate gambler's challenge in FC 26 to date. Players must discard older players to obtain one of ten players from a pool whose overall rating is all 88+. The player pool is drawn from high-scoring players from all in-game special events before April 17th.

Let's explore the specific gameplay of the 1 of 10 88+ Historical Player Pick and how to obtain more card draw opportunities with minimal sacrifice.

Core Gameplay

The main gameplay of FC 26 1 of 10 88+ Historical Player Pick can be summarized in two words: discarding and selecting.

Discarding

Players need to build three lineups with different ratings for the lineup challenge. The players in these lineups must have an overall rating of 88+, 89+, and 90+ respectively. The 88+ and 89+ rating teams must each contain at least one TOTW, TOTS, or FOF player. The costs are 20,300 FC 26 Coins, 25,800 Coins, and 39,100 Coins respectively.

Upon successfully building a lineup, players will receive one Jumbo Gold Pack, one Premium Electrum Players Pack, and one Gold Players Pack. Furthermore, all players in the lineup will permanently disappear from your club and cannot be retrieved. Therefore, careful selection of players is crucial, and the following guidelines can be followed:

1. Prioritize Free Players

Prioritize using 2-3 untradeable cards obtained free from FC 26 event. This allows you to use cheaper basic gold cards for the remaining slots, saving at least 30% in costs.

2. Clear Out Your Inventory of TOTW/TOTS Cards

Find those early-drawn, now infrequently used, non-tradable TOTW and TOTS cards in your club. If you don't have them, don't blindly auction them on the market. Instead, check FC 26 for ongoing 83+ TOTW to SBC upgrades. Use your existing low-score cards to upgrade to an 88+ TOTW card yourself, saving 20,000-30,000 Coins.

If you don't have enough usable obsolete or low-score cards but still want to open card packs, you can buy FC 26 Coins from M8X.com and auction them on the game market.

Selection

Use players from three lineups as keys to open the packs. You will receive a 1 of 10 88+ Historical Player Pick special pack in the shop's pack section, which you can open.

Opening the pack reveals all historical special events from FC 26 before April 17th, such as TOTY, Winter Wildcard, and Future Stars. Ten Icons and Heroes players with an overall rating of 88 or higher are randomly selected from these events.

You can choose one of these ten players to add to your club, while the remaining nine will be returned to the player pool. Note that all players drawn here are untradeable and can only be used in matches or added to the latest Evolutions.

The good news is that you can repeatedly draw 1 of 10 88+ Historical Player Pick special packs by building three-rated lineups multiple times, with no limit on the number of times. The only requirement is that you discard enough cards to obtain them.

So, are the players in the 1 of 10 88+ Historical Player Pick special packs worth it? We will demonstrate using the ten best players currently available as an example.

Top 10 Players

1. Ronaldo Nazário

From a historical event, 94 OVR. Excels in ST and CF. Possesses top-tier R9-level explosiveness and shooting ability. Subsequent upgrades further address his weaknesses in stamina and physical duels, bringing him closer to his full potential.

2. Pelé

From a historical event, 93 OVR. Excels in CAM and CF. Possesses top-tier all-around attacking attributes and five-star technical ability. With enhancements, his physical stability and midfield resilience improve.

3. Johan Cruyff

From a historical event, 92 OVR. Excels in CAM and CF. Possesses top-tier off-the-ball movement and elite ball control. After optimization, his speed, impact, and physical duels are more balanced.

4. Diego Maradona

From a historical event, 96 OVR. Excels in CAM and RW. Possesses top-tier dribbling agility and short-range breakthrough ability. Upgrades improve his overall stamina and defensive involvement.

5. Zinedine Zidane

From a historical event, 91OVR. Proficient in CAM and CM, possessing top-tier long-passing and long-range shooting abilities. After enhancements, his movement efficiency and defensive coverage are even smoother.

6. Ronaldinho

From a historical event, 95OVR. Proficient in CAM and LW. Possesses top-tier fancy skills and creativity. After adjustments, his sprint rhythm and physical stability are more valuable in actual combat.

7. Gullit

From a historical event, 93OVR. Proficient in CM and ST. Possesses top-tier all-position adaptability and all-around offensive and defensive attributes. After enhancements, his weaknesses in agility and finesse are further reduced.

8. Eusebio

From a historical event, 92OVR. Proficient in ST and CF. Possesses top-tier finishing efficiency and acceleration. After improvements, his pivot ability and physical confrontation performance are more complete.

9. Paolo Maldini

From a historical event, 91OVR. Excels in CB and LB, possessing top-tier defensive positioning and one-on-one interception abilities. After optimization, his high-post defensive adaptability and speed issues have been improved.

10. Patrick Vieira

From a historical event, 91OVR. Excels in CDM and CM, possessing top-tier defensive coverage and physical strength. With an enhanced system, his passing and forward runs are more balanced.

In short, when choosing one out of ten, only two principles need to be followed:

1. Focus on players with high overall ratings: such as Ronaldinho, Eusébio, and Maldini.
2. Find low-rated cards that perfectly fit the current evolution: This refers to finding mid-to-high-strength player cards that can be upgraded to fill weaknesses and achieve a higher level when none of the ten players have high-value cards.

Anyway, the 1 of 10 88+ Historical Player Pick can be drawn repeatedly. Even if you can't choose right away, you can simply disconnect from the network or clear background apps. Undrawn packs will be saved in the shop's unallocated items; you can choose again when you've decided.

This is a great opportunity for you to draw higher-tier FC 26 players and make the most of your resources, so don't miss it!

EA Sports FC 26 has made a rare gesture by offering a free Icons card, 95 OVR striker Samuel Eto'o Greats of the Game Icon, and this card is far from mediocre; on the contrary, it proves exceptionally potent. Obtaining it, however, presents a notable challenge.

Let us first examine its capabilities before considering the obstacles the official team has put in place. Although the challenge carries some difficulty, a well-devised strategy makes it far from insurmountable.

95 OVR Samuel Eto'o ST++

The official content team has endowed this 95 OVR Samuel Eto'o with incredible, lavish attributes. Whether you look at his raw stats or his Playstyle+ selection, he stands as one of the most threatening strikers available, and he would strengthen any side's frontline. Let us review his numbers:

• Pac: 96
• Sho: 95
• Pas: 87
• Dri: 94
• Def: 55
• Phy: 88

Playstyle+:

• Finesse Shot+
• Power Shot+
• Low Driven Shot+
• Quick Step+

Samuel Eto'o boasts 5-star Skill Moves and a 5-star Weak Foot, so he can unleash powerful shots with either foot. Furthermore, his Finishing rating reaches 98, Composure stands at 97, Heading Accuracy at 98, Dribbling at 93, Agility at 92, and Stamina at 94. These figures mean that he excels at converting chances in the box and possesses the physical agility to weave through tight defensive lines.

Eto'o also comes equipped with an extremely practical set of Playstyle+ traits that cover almost every offensive key area. Apart from his passing attributes - particularly crossing and long passing - being somewhat ordinary, this card reaches the highest tier in finishing, dribbling, and physical duels, making him a near-perfect striker card.

How to obtain 95 OVR Samuel Eto'o?

This 95 OVR Samuel Eto'o Greats of the Game Icon ranks among the finest strikers currently available, and you can acquire him at little to no cost. Nevertheless, the official team has set a challenging series of tasks for that purpose. To claim this top-tier player card, you need to complete an Objective Group consisting of ten individual tasks.

You must work through all the following tasks one by one in Festival of Football Gauntlet, with each task offering its own reward:

How to Complete a Perfect Round?

The first seven tasks allow for losses, since you can simply retry in subsequent rounds to meet their requirements again. Only the final 3 Perfect Round tasks demand a flawless run - that is, winning all 5 matches within a single round.

You have four entries into this event in total. Each time you enter, you must secure five consecutive victories. A single defeat ends that attempt and consumes one of your entries.

The difficulty of these 5 opponents is not evenly distributed. In most cases, the first four opponents will be noticeably weaker than you, so you can handle them relatively comfortably. However, the fifth opponent has a very high probability of being a player of equal or even greater skill, and this match represents the biggest hurdle of the entire challenge.

Moreover, those four relatively easier opponents do not always appear in the first 4 matches; their order can be shuffled. As long as you can win that one closely contested match, completing a Perfect Round remains within reach.

Squad Building Strategy

To maximise your chances of success, pre-match tactical preparation and squad assembly are just as important as individual ability.

The challenge requires that your match squad contain 5 players sharing the same nationality. Yet those five players can all be placed on the bench rather than in the starting eleven. Therefore, you can first build your strongest starting lineup and then fill the bench with five players from a single country. This approach satisfies the requirement without undermining your starting squad's quality in any way.

Because you need to complete five rounds, and the squad locks after each round, you will actually require 5 different line-ups (11 starters plus substitutes), with no duplicate player cards. For the average player, assembling five balanced teams may prove somewhat demanding.

Fortunately, FC 26 currently offers many high-value SBCs such as Alexia Putellas, Paquetá, Pedro Neto, and others. These cards boast solid attributes and can be completed with only a small amount of FC 26 coins and low-rated fodder cards, so you can use them to fill out your squads.

Additionally, do not overlook the high-rated loan players sitting in your inventory. For example, the loan version of Paolo Maldini or other Icons obtained through beginner or season challenges - even with only a handful of matches available - can make a decisive contribution in critical games.

Finally, distribute every usable player you unpack from reward packs, regardless of their overall rating, sensibly among these five teams. Even seemingly ordinary players, when deployed correctly, can perform well against weaker opponents.

In summary, acquiring this 95 OVR Samuel Eto'o Icons card for free is a demanding but richly rewarding endeavour. For players with a reasonable skill level, handling the first four opponents is rarely an issue; the real test lies in winning that pivotal fifth match. Never underestimate your rivals, and approach every game with full focus - that is the key to success.