Hey everyone, and welcome back to ReFIFA’s breakdown of the EA FC 26 — November Feedback Update. EA published a short Pitch Note outlining what they’ve changed already and what’s coming next.
This one is all about balance: goalkeepers, AI defending, controlled sprint dribbling, and how the CPU behaves in Squad Battles.
Most importantly, a major update is coming in December, packed with additions and more, which we will discuss in the article.
Table of Contents
Goalkeeper Movement
EA has heard varied feedback about Goalkeeper Movement and how it affects shots vs. saves. The takeaway: goalkeepers will be adjusted to be less effective in an upcoming December Update.
By the way, if you are a good follower of our YouTube channel, you will know that we talked a few days ago about the upcoming winter update in December and that it will be big, powerful and full of additions.
That should mean fewer “goalkeeper feels unbeatable” moments and a better balance where skillful shooting is rewarded.
What to expect:
- Striking should feel more reliable in the box on well-timed shots.
- EA will publish full details closer to the update; ReFIFA will share those notes when they go live.
Quick tip: If you tend to rely on power finishes or timed strikes, keep practicing placement and composure — the change rewards good shot selection.
AI Defending
In v1.2.0 EA slightly reduced how tightly AI defenders mark pass receivers at the edge of the penalty area.
Why? Players reported that user-controlled defenders could sit back and let AI teammates do the heavy lifting. The tweak encourages more active defending without swinging the pendulum too far.
EA’s approach:
- Expect incremental tweaks rather than big swings — they’re balancing for many playstyles.
- If further tuning is needed, EA will make small changes so the game doesn’t suddenly feel opposite to what players expect.
Quick tip: If you play defensive or counter styles, try small adjustments to your player switching and jockey timing — you might notice space opening up around the box.
Controlled Sprint Dribbling
A recent live tuning made Controlled Sprint Dribbling slower than intended. EA reverted that change quickly after seeing how it affected players.
The key message: EA wants movement to feel responsive, and they’re using live tuning to react fast when an unintended change slips through.
What this means:
- Movement should return to the more responsive state many players prefer.
- Keep an eye out for small live tuning notes — EA may continue to tweak movement in short bursts.
Quick tip: Practice controlled sprint dribbles in Skill Games to recalibrate timing after future adjustments.
CPU AI & Squad Battles
After v1.1.3 the CPU AI was made smarter: more passing, sharper dribbling and better defensive switching.
But community feedback shows Squad Battles CPU sometimes holds possession too long and doesn’t push forward enough.
EA’s plan:
- Aim to make Squad Battles CPU move the ball forward more and create chances quicker.
- Target date: early 2026 for these specific changes. EA wants the defensive phase to be more engaging and less about chasing the ball.
What to expect:
- Faster transitions from midfield to attack in Squad Battles.
- Fewer long, possession-only sequences that frustrate players.
Quick tip: For now, play to the CPU’s strengths — press high in short bursts and force quicker transitions to catch the CPU out of phase.
Final Whistle
EA’s November Pitch Note shows a clear pattern: listen to players, make small iterative tweaks, and avoid giant swings that break other systems.
December’s goalkeeper adjustment and the early-2026 Squad Battles tuning are the big ticket items — both driven by feedback from the community.
If you care about Gameplay, goalkeepers, AI defending or Squad Battles, keep sending repros and clips — community reports matter.
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