The Countdown to Kickoff

Football fans do not have to wait much longer as EA Sports FC 26 is finally ready to hit the pitch. The much anticipated release from EA Sports has its official dates locked in, including early access opportunities, Game Pass trials, and the global launch across PC and consoles. This year’s edition continues EA’s push to define its own football franchise following the transition away from the FIFA brand.

Early Access Begins

For those with an EA Play membership, the wait is already over. The ten hour trial went live on September 18 and is also included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, meaning subscribers can get hands on with the game right now. Players who purchased the Ultimate Edition can dive in even deeper as the full early access version unlocks globally across PC and console starting September 18.

Official Launch Schedule

For everyone else, the release dates are set just a little later. EA Sports FC 26 arrives on September 25 for PC players worldwide, with a synchronized launch at 5 AM PT, 8 AM ET and 1 PM BST. Console players on PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo will get access one day later on September 26, beginning at midnight local time in each region.

EA’s Final Big Sports Title of 2025

EA Sports FC 26 caps off an action packed year of sports game releases for EA. CFB 26 launched back in July, Madden NFL 26 followed in August, and NHL 26 dropped earlier this month. Now football takes center stage once again as FC 26 looks to dominate the field heading into the busy holiday season.

Why This Launch Matters

This year’s release is particularly important for EA as the franchise continues to establish its identity after parting ways with the FIFA license. Early access availability and Game Pass trials ensure millions of players can experience the game before its full launch, generating excitement and giving fans a taste of what is to come. With global football fandom at its peak, the timing of EA Sports FC 26 promises another blockbuster entry in the series.

 

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