EA Sports FC 26, the latest edition in the iconic football simulation franchise, is poised to hit shelves with a flurry of features, fresh faces, and a soundtrack as eclectic as the global football community itself. With its official launch set for Friday, September 26, 2025, anticipation has been building not only among long-time fans but also among those eager to see how this year’s game will raise the bar for realism, immersion, and excitement.
For those who can’t wait to get their hands on the game, EA Sports has rolled out a series of early access opportunities. According to reporting by multiple outlets, Ultimate Edition owners on console can dive in as early as midnight on Friday, September 19th, while PC players get an even earlier start—Thursday, September 18th at 1pm BST, thanks to the game’s global release schedule. And if you’re an EA Play Pro member on PC, you’re in luck: you’ll enjoy unlimited access during the early access week. Console players with a basic EA Play subscription aren’t left out either, with a 10-hour early-access trial available from September 19th. The more budget-conscious, meanwhile, will have to wait until the Standard Edition unlocks at midnight on September 26th for PlayStation and Xbox, or 1pm BST on September 25th for PC.
But what’s a new EA Sports FC release without a deep dive into its beloved Career Mode? This year, Career Mode aficionados are already buzzing about the impressive roster of wonderkids—young players with the potential to become the next global superstars. As highlighted by Beebom, the list of top wonderkids in FC 26 reads like a who’s who of European football’s next generation. These players, mostly between the ages of 17 and 22, can be snapped up at bargain rates—if you’re quick and can fend off competition from other clubs.
Among the standout names: Marc Casado (22, CDM, Barcelona) starts with a rating of 79 and a potential of 87, while Samu (21, ST, Porto) and Nico Paz (21, CAM, Como) share similar high ceilings. The list is extensive—31 players deep—featuring talents from clubs such as Juventus, Arsenal, RB Leipzig, Tottenham Hotspur, and more. Notably, Antonio Nusa (20, LM, RB Leipzig) boasts a potential rating of 88, while young stars like Ethan Nwaneri (18, RM, Arsenal) and Rodrigo Mora (18, CAM, Porta) are tipped as future world-beaters. The spread of clubs and nationalities ensures that managers in Career Mode have a wealth of options to scout, develop, and hopefully lead to glory.
Of course, snapping up these wonderkids isn’t always straightforward. As Beebom points out, "Most young players on this list can be acquired at bargain rates on the transfer market, although you’ll likely face competition from other clubs." The thrill of the chase is part of what makes Career Mode so addictive—will you spot the next breakout star before your rivals?
Player ratings, another annual talking point, have already been revealed. According to FIFAUTeam and other sources, Rodri maintains an impressive 90 rating despite missing much of the previous season through injury. The ratings release is always a hotly debated affair, fueling discussions across social media and among friends about who’s been overrated, underrated, or just right. This year’s ratings reflect both established stars and the rapidly rising profiles of younger talents.
Serie A fans, in particular, have reason to celebrate. As reported by HQ, Inter Milan leads the pack with the most nominees among the 26 best-rated Serie A players in FC 26. The Italian top flight, known in recent years for its unpredictable title races and diverse spread of talent, is well represented in the game. Licensing issues mean some team names have been altered, but that hasn’t dampened enthusiasm. The league’s mixed championship history compared to the more dominant Premier League, LaLiga, or Bundesliga ensures a broader representation of clubs and players in this year’s edition.
Yet, EA Sports FC 26 isn’t just about what happens on the virtual pitch. The franchise has long been celebrated for its soundtracks, which often capture the musical zeitgeist and introduce players to new artists and genres. This year’s soundtrack is no exception. As GOAL reports, the FC 26 soundtrack features a whopping 109 songs from over 30 countries, making it one of the most diverse and ambitious playlists in the series’ history. Two-time Grammy winner Fred again.. returns, and PinkPantheress—recently crowned Billboard’s Women In Music Producer of the Year—adds her track "Girl Like Me," reflecting EA’s ongoing push to spotlight women’s football.
Perhaps the biggest headline is the inclusion of a professional footballer on the soundtrack for the first time ever. Moise Kean, who performs under the artist name KMB, makes history with his track "BOMBAY." Kean himself expressed his excitement to GOAL: "Football and music are both passions that unite people across the world, no matter their differences. To now be a part of FC 26, not just as a player but as an artist myself, is a dream come true."
The soundtrack also features unreleased music from global icons like Ed Sheeran, whose new single "Symmetry" is eagerly awaited, and introduces fresh voices such as Joy Crookes, Alewya, and JENNIE from BLACKPINK. In all, 27 tracks are unreleased at launch, with more to be added through post-launch updates. For those who can’t wait, the full playlist is already available on Spotify, though a handful of tracks (including Sheeran’s) will join after the game’s release.
Pre-launch events have been rolling out in quick succession. The Web App went live on Wednesday, September 17th, followed by the Companion App on Thursday, September 18th. These tools allow players to manage their Ultimate Team squads, trade on the transfer market, and get a head start before the game’s official release. The soundtrack and player ratings reveal have only heightened the anticipation, with the community abuzz over every detail.
Looking back, EA Sports FC’s legacy—formerly known as FIFA—has always been about more than just football. From Blur’s anthems in the late '90s to modern chart-toppers, the series has blended sport and culture in a way few games can match. This year, with its mix of promising wonderkids, star-studded soundtrack, and a wealth of early access options, FC 26 looks set to continue that tradition, offering fans old and new plenty to cheer about as they prepare for kickoff.
With launch day around the corner, the excitement is palpable. Whether you’re plotting your Career Mode dynasty, arguing over player ratings, or just vibing to the latest tracks, EA Sports FC 26 promises to deliver another unforgettable season both on and off the pitch.
