EA Sports FC 26 Review – Refining the Game, Not Reinventing It

EA Sports FC 26 Review
Each release in the famed franchise has introduced new elements that expand the options available. Last season brought the introduction of Rush, an exciting 5v5 multiplayer mode, and FC IQ, which added deeper tactical layers. While these were strong additions, certain problems on the pitch remained unaddressed. With EA Sports FC 26, the developers set aside the gimmicks to focus solely on what happens on the field. Will this be the clinical finish fans have been waiting for, or just another missed opportunity?

Fans of football remain divided over how the beautiful game should be represented in a virtual format. Some prefer a faster, arcade-style approach, while others lean toward a slower, true-to-life simulation. For years, FC has tried to balance the two, often struggling to fully satisfy either side. The latest iteration addresses this by offering two distinct versions of the sport: Authentic, available in career and other offline modes, and Competitive, which can be used offline but serves as the standard for online play.

A New Way to Play
Competitive is faster than its predecessors. You can move from defence to attack in an instant due to the responsive passing and run speed. Since this mode is designed for online play, common frustrations like excessive rebounds have been reduced. Whereas a saved shot could previously land favourably for your opponent, resulting in a tap-in, this has been tweaked so that random game-changing events are less frequent. Due to this, the game places skill level at the forefront, with luck being an irregular occurrence.

Blocks and interceptions are less likely to bounce back to your opponent in Competitive play. At the same time, auto tackles occur less frequently, balancing things out. Other elements have been refined as well, such as adding more variability to crosses and headers, preventing any single tactic from being overused. EA’s vision for this mode is clear: it’s all about rewarding player skill. Every tweak and addition supports that goal, shaping a version of football that fully embraces this philosophy.

Authentic mode feels immediately different from kickoff. The pace is slower and more deliberate, giving you the chance to manipulate your opponent’s positioning and capitalize on off-the-ball runs. Player size has a greater impact as well; smaller athletes are more agile, while larger players can use their strength to hold off challenges. Unlike in Competitive, players can’t sprint at full speed for the entire match. They tire, lose shape, and leave gaps for the opposition to exploit.

A Step Forward
Just like in real football, luck has its part to play in Authentic. Realistic rebounds from goalkeeper saves or tackles can quickly shift momentum, keeping matches unpredictable and dynamic. Goalmouth scrambles add extra tension, producing those chaotic, unforgettable moments that capture the drama of the sport. Personally, I prefer the Authentic mode as it aligns more with my style of play. Unfortunately, there’s no option to play like this online, which feels like a missed opportunity.

While there’s a clear divide between the two modes, there’s a long list of refinements that apply to both modes. Movement is more responsive, allowing for slight nuances in direction, making a difference in how you can beat a player. Passing and shooting are both stronger, giving you more control over how you play the ball. You must consider the angle and timing to launch the perfect cross, adding a wonderful, satisfying sense of achievement when delivering the perfect pass.

Shooting has long lagged behind the Pro Evolution series because of its slight input delay. Now, when you press to shoot, it happens instantly. It’s a subtle change, but one that makes a huge difference, enhancing both the feel and flow of matches. Paired with smarter teammate runs and sharper ball control, it’s clear that these small adjustments combine to create a big impact.

PlayStyles also help stars stand out on the pitch, and EA continues to refine them year after year. Some styles have been removed or reworked into new versions that better capture how players perform. That same ethos of refinement carries over into FC IQ, with new Player Roles offering deeper customization and existing ones being polished to provide greater tactical depth in matches.

Packed but Bloated
The franchise has always been known for packing in content, and the latest entry is no different. Each mode gets minor tweaks and additions, though their impact varies. Manager Career now features new challenges of different lengths, from taking over mid-season at Christmas to chasing a quick pre-season cup win. These shorter scenarios add incentive to jump into the mode without committing to a full campaign. While other modes also include small updates, most simply add more content rather than meaningfully improving the experience.

EA Sports FC 26 is the epitome of marginal gains. Every aspect of play has been tweaked and refined to improve your time on the pitch. Small details, shaped by community feedback, address long-standing concerns that have followed the series for years. Splitting gameplay into different modes is a smart choice, giving players the freedom to choose the style that best fits them. However, the inability to play Authentic online is a major drawback for those who prefer that experience. And while on-pitch gameplay feels sharper than ever, the surrounding modes remain too familiar to past iterations, weighed down further by aggressive monetization through FUT’s premium season pass. EA Sports FC 26 takes meaningful steps forward on the pitch, but it still needs bolder changes off it to truly move the series ahead.

***PS5 code provided by the publisher***

The Good

Authentic and Competitive Modes
Improvements to Passing and Shooting
Responsive Movement

84

The Bad

Premium Season Pass
Modes Need an Overhaul
Similar to Previous Versions