New World Cup Update for EA Sports FC 26
EA Sports has officially announced a new ‘World Cup’ update set to arrive with FC 26. This update marks a significant shift in how the game will approach international football events, as it moves away from any direct association with the FIFA World Cup.
In May 2022, EA and FIFA confirmed their split, which led to the release of FIFA 23 in September of that year. That game included content from the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar. However, EA Sports FC 26 will not feature official 2026 FIFA World Cup content. Instead, EA has introduced its own version of the event called “The World’s Game Update”, which offers a unique take on the tournament without any FIFA licensing.
A New International Tournament Mode
The update introduces a new 48-team international tournament mode, available from 4 June. While it won’t be called the World Cup, it will closely mirror the structure of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will include 53 fully licensed national teams, with 41 of the 48 teams competing in the actual FIFA event. This mode will also be available in Career mode, following the same rules and structure as the real tournament, with live starting points just before and during the event.
Features for Ultimate Team Players
Ultimate Team players will benefit from several new features, including an Event Hub, Festival of Football themed campaigns, and more. Players who log in between 5 June and 24 July will have the chance to earn a 93-rated Pele and three ‘Choose Your Journey’ Evolutions.
Some of the venues that will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches will also be included in the game. The tournament will follow the same format as the expanded 2026 event, featuring 12 groups of four and five knockout rounds, starting with a round of 32 and ending with the final.
New Rewards and Gameplay Enhancements
In Ultimate Team, there will be changes to evolutions, new Festival of Football tokens, and a dedicated Event Hub. Weekly Festival of Football themed campaigns, player items, and other content will also be available.
Tokens are a brand-new reward type that will become the primary way to earn rewards in Ultimate Team. These tokens will have a dedicated store where players can access player packs, evolutions, and club customisation content. Up to 1,000 tokens can be earned each week, with a total of up to 5,000 available.
Additionally, FUT Champions tokens and a FUT Champions store will be introduced, offering a range of rewards, including a rotating selection of special Red FUT Champions player items each week.
New Content and Challenges
The Journey of Nations introduces an Event Hub for the Festival of Football Season. Each week, players will need to assemble international-themed squads from across five continents, completing over 250 challenges to earn Club rewards.
More than 100 new international players will be added to Ultimate Team, along with two brand-new ICONS: Rivellino and Mario Kempes. A new limited-time Penalty Shootout mode will also be included.
Other improvements include tweaks to Clubs and general gameplay, making the experience more immersive and engaging.
Final Thoughts
While EA Sports FC 26 brings a fresh feel to the franchise, there is still room for further enhancements. The new World Cup update adds a unique twist to the game, offering fans an alternative way to experience international football. With new features, rewards, and content, this update promises to keep players engaged throughout the season.
