EA Sports has announced a major summer update for EA SPORTS FC 26 called The World’s Game Update, which will be released on May 28 and brings a range of new content inspired by the World Cup. Among the main highlights is a completely new international tournament featuring 48 national teams, significant changes to the Football Ultimate Team mode, and gameplay system adjustments based on community feedback.
From June 4, players will be able to participate in a brand new international tournament that includes 53 licensed national teams. Alongside football powerhouses like Brazil, England, France, and Croatia, players will also be able to lead teams such as Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, or Haiti.
The tournament follows the format of an expanded World Cup with 48 teams. Three group stage matches, the advancement of the two best teams from the group, and the eight best third-placed teams, followed by a knockout phase.
The update also brings new stadiums, including Gillette Stadium and BMO Field, as well as a completely new arena, Central Maw, created to convey the atmosphere of top international football.
Significant changes are also coming to Football Ultimate Team (FUT). The Festival of Football event starts on June 4 and introduces a special Event Hub, new campaigns inspired by national football, PlayStyles adjustments, and a completely new rewards system based on Tokens.
One of the biggest rewards this summer will be the 93 OVR Festival of Football ICON Pelé, which all players can obtain by logging into the game between June 5 and July 24. Players will be able to choose from different evolutionary paths of the legendary Brazilian icon, tailored to various positions and play styles.
EA Sports is also introducing significant changes to the Evolutions system. The new “Evo Undo” option will allow players to reset their evolution, while the PlayStyles Lab will provide greater freedom in selecting desired PlayStyle abilities.
Particular attention is drawn to the new Tokens system, which will become the primary way to earn rewards in FUT. Tokens can be earned through Rivals, Squad Battles, Rush, Live Events, Objectives, and SBC challenges, and players will spend them in a special store for packs, players, evolutions, and cosmetic additions for the club.
The Festival of Football will last through several themed campaigns, including Path to Glory, Greats of the Game, Phenoms, and Summer Stars, while over 100 new international players and two new ICON legends, Rivellino and Mario Kempes, will be added throughout the summer.
In addition to FUT, new features are coming to Career Mode. The new international tournament will also be available in career mode, with the ability to manage a national team from the start of a new save, additional challenges, and special seasonal objectives.
From June 28, a new limited-time event, Penalty Shootouts, will be available in Ultimate Team and Kick-Off mode, marking the start of the knockout phase of international football.
EA SPORTS FC 26 thus brings one of the largest seasonal updates to date, focusing on national teams and the upcoming World Cup. For more details, click here.
