A new chapter for Football Ultimate Team has begun. In EA FC 26, FUT is changing based on how you play and what you’ve asked for. Get ready for new ways to compete with Live Events, the return of Tournaments, and a brand-new squad-building challenge called Gauntlets. On top of that, Rivals and Champions are getting big, fan-requested improvements.
For the first time, FUT will have tailor-made Competitive Gameplay tuning, which adds more control, consistency, and responsiveness to the on-pitch action. Let’s jump in.
Table of Contents
Live Events: A New Way to Compete
EA FC 26 FUT’s got a fresh heartbeat with Live Events, building on what Friendlies started but cranking it up a notch. These are themed competitions that’ll test your squad-building chops and keep things spicy throughout the season.
Picture this: a new Event Hub where you can see everything—availability, requirements, rewards—at a glance. No more menu maze nonsense.
Entry Requirements
Some events present difficult challenges and requirements to enter, such as needing a specific Rivals Division, hitting an Objective, or tweaking your squad with rules around rarity, clubs, or chemistry. It’s like a puzzle before the match even starts.
Custom Rules & Match Settings
Ever wanted to play Mystery Ball or First to X Goals in a competitive setting? Now you can, with House Rules mixing up the vibe. Go solo, team up in co-op, or face off in open matchmaking—your call.
Objective Linking
Rewards are front and center. No digging through menus—just claim your loot and get back to the action. Events are streamlining this for you, giving you direct access to claim what you’ve earned without digging through the Objective menus. Each event’s got its own Objectives tied right into the matches you’re playing.
Matchmaking
Matchmaking’s got options too: it can pair you based on your record in that specific event or your global form across similar events. Keeps it fair, keeps it fun.
A New Play Menu: Your Hub for What Matters
Jumping between FUT modes should feel seamless. EA FC 26’s redesigned Play Menu surfaces the action you care about most:
- For You: Personalized picks—brand-new events, last-played modes, and upcoming competitions.
- Online: Rush, Rivals, Champions, Challengers, and Online Draft, all in one place.
- Play vs. CPU: Squad Battles, Moments, Single Player Draft.
- Play vs. Friend: Couch Play & Classic Matches.
- Extra Tabs: FC Pro, PlayStation Tournaments, and up to six dynamic Live Events tabs.
With everything laid out clearly, you’ll spend less time hunting menus and more time on the pitch.
Tournaments Return: Knockout Glory
Tournaments are making a triumphant return with that classic knockout format. They won’t be around 24/7—EA’s dropping them at key moments during the season to keep the hype alive. Each one’s got its own flavor—think unique squad rules, entry limits that refresh, and rewards that make every win feel massive. More details are coming in the EA FC 26 Launch Update Pitch Notes, so stay tuned.
Gauntlet: The Ultimate Squad Depth Test
Gauntlets are a brand-new way to test your club depth and your squad-building ability across multiple matches. Each Gauntlet consists of up to five matches, but here’s the twist: you must use a completely different squad for every single match, including the entire subs bench.
There’s no elimination here; you can play through the full Gauntlet regardless of your results, but the more you win, the better your rewards will be. At launch, the Ultimate Gauntlet will feature three rounds (requiring three unique squads) and will run every two weeks. It’s a format where your squad-building choices matter just as much as what happens on the pitch.
Rivals Revamp: Bounties & Relegation
Based on your feedback, Rivals is getting some major changes in EA FC 26 to make it more rewarding and less of a grind.
Bounties
These are randomly triggered challenges that apply to your next Rivals match. Completing a Bounty—like “Score the first goal” or “Keep a clean sheet”—will earn you immediate rewards like Coins, Packs, or even Stage Skips, giving you something to play for in every single match, win or lose.
Limited Checkpoints
To prevent players from getting stuck in a Division above their skill level, new “breakable” checkpoints are being introduced. These track your losses and will allow for relegation once a certain number of losses is reached, ensuring you’re always playing against similarly skilled opponents.
Champions & Challengers: No More Playoffs!
You asked, and they listened. In EA FC 26, Champions Playoffs have been removed. You will now qualify directly for Champions by reaching a specific Rivals Division and collecting enough Qualification Points.
For players outside of the top divisions, EA SPORTS FC is introducing Challengers, a new second tier of Champions with its own format and rewards. This gives more players a chance to experience the thrill of a weekend competition while keeping Champions as the pinnacle of FUT.
Competitive Gameplay: FUT’s Own Flavor
For the first time, FUT’s getting its own gameplay tuning with Competitive Gameplay. This isn’t just a copy-paste from other modes—it’s built for you, with three big promises:
- Responsiveness: One-touch passes and shots fire off lightning-fast, even a frame before you receive the ball.
- Consistency: Fewer flukey keeper rebounds or tackles bouncing back to the other team. Less chaos, more control.
- Player Control: Stamina’s reworked so your stars stay sharp longer, rewarding smart defending and switching.
It’s smoother, tighter, and feels like the game’s finally listening to your every move.
GK Evolutions & Cosmetic Stacking
Yes, you can now Evolve your goalkeepers! Evolutions are repeatable, limited-use upgrades that boost attributes and carry cosmetic badges. Better yet, cosmetics now stack—your favorite card design lives on even as you climb rarities. Ultimate Edition owners even start with two active Evo slots at launch.
Graduated Transfer Market Access
To protect the FUT economy, new players unlock full Transfer Market access by completing Foundation Objectives. Returning players in good standing get immediate access. This measured approach keeps your auctions fair and thriving from day one.
FC Pro Live Events: Pro-Level Integration
For the first time, FUT integrates directly with FC Pro. On next-gen consoles, top Rivals players can:
- Register for FC Pro contests right from FUT.
- Climb regional leaderboards using your peak ELO.
- Qualify for events like the FC Pro Open (PS5 only).
Now your FUT grind can lead to real e-sports glory.
Final Whistle
EA FC 26’s FUT isn’t messing around. Live Events, Gauntlets, a sharper Rivals system, and gameplay that actually feels like it’s yours—this is the deepest, most player-driven FUT yet.
Whether you’re a squad-building nerd or a weekend warrior, there’s something here to light up your game. So, lace up those boots and show the pitch who’s boss!
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