Highlights
Rumors hint at something major coming to EA FC
Fans think the next update could be more than just gameplay tweaks
Community chatter points to experimental, off-pitch experiences
Developers remain quiet, fueling speculation
EA SPORTS FC 26 has been on fire since launch, pushing out gameplay tweaks, visual updates, and live service improvements faster than a free-kick exploit patch. It’s reached that point where the patch notes read longer than your grocery list—and somehow, fans are still hungry for more. But now, a new wave of rumors suggests the next update might do more than just fix bugs—it might redefine how football is played inside the game, or even hint at what’s being planned for a future FC installment.
If the latest leaks are true, the next evolution of EA FC could step off the traditional pitch and into something that feels more like a living football playground. Sources like DetectiveFUT and EAFC 26 News claim several new “Open World” game modes are already in testing—and they’re not your typical 11-on-11 experience.
Among the highlights:
Kickabouts (2v2 and 3v3) – small-sided matches with rebounds off walls, no fouls, and golden goal finishes.
Foot Tennis – lob volleys over a net to score, with long rallies earning bonus points.
Balloon Ball – imagine dodgeball meets football, complete with power-ups and elimination rounds.
Closest to the Pin – a target-based challenge mode where precision passing reigns supreme.
Draw the Line – a creative twist where players pass to trace shapes for accuracy points.
The same leaks suggest these experiences will live inside an Open World Hub, letting players walk around, socialize, and even spectate other matches in real time—complete with emotes, cosmetics, and a fully customizable Create-A-Player system.
That shift toward an open-world design also makes sense. Other major sports titles like NBA 2K’s The City and WWE’s The Island have already proven that giving players a living hub to explore can dramatically expand how fans engage beyond matches.
And here’s where it gets even more interesting: screenshots and tweets from EAFC 26 News claim these modes are already available in beta testing, hinting that this feature might not be far off from a public reveal.
Whether it’s a bold experiment or a sign of a larger “Football Universe” vision, EA’s next move looks set to mix the energy of FIFA Street with the scale of The Sims Online. If these leaks pan out, EA FC 26 might soon let players live the football lifestyle—both on and off the pitch.