FC 26 scores on the pitch, stumbles in monetisation

EA Sports FC 26, released September 26, pushes the series forward on the field but backwards in player trust. This year's installment leans into a split identity: a grounded, tactical "Authentic" mode for offline purists, and a turbo-charged "Competitive" mode designed for esports. The result is two distinct football experiences – one that rewards patient build-up and intelligent tactics, and another that thrives on fast breaks and high-scoring drama.

Offline, Career Mode feels revitalised. Matches are slower and more cerebral, with weather, fatigue, and individual stats playing genuine roles in outcomes. A revamped manager carousel brings unpredictability, as CPU clubs adopt their new coach's tactics. Quirky touches – like players sidelined by "dodgy food" – inject personality. For football traditionalists, it's a rare return to realism.

Ultimate Team, long the franchise's most polarising mode, makes genuine strides with Evolutions and silver-only tournaments, allowing players to build competitive squads without emptying their wallets. But EA's aggressive monetisation overshadows the goodwill. A new Season Pass locks icons and heroes – from Figo to Klose – behind grind-heavy progression or real-money spending. Even Career Mode, once safe from microtransaction pressure, now nudges players toward the paywall.

Gameplay refinements are where FC 26 shines brightest. Dribbling feels stickier and more responsive, passing is cleaner, and goalkeeper AI finally holds its own. Rush mode, a five-a-side throwback to FIFA Street, is particularly addictive, with quality-of-life fixes making it the standout way to experience online play. Yet defending remains frustrating, and the lack of fatigue in Competitive mode tilts balance in favour of perpetual attackers.

In many ways, FC 26 is the best-playing football game of the generation. But its achievements are undercut by EA's relentless push for monetisation. For those able to tune out the Season Pass and microtransactions, there's a polished, thrilling football sim to be found. For everyone else, the beautiful game risks being overshadowed by an ugly business model.

Verdict: A technically brilliant step forward, but financially, EA is playing a dangerous game.