The January transfer window is reaching its boiling point, and EA FC 26 is keeping pace by rolled out a Career Mode update a few hours ago.
A new update has just hit the Manager Live hub, introducing three distinct scenarios that range from short-term goal-scoring blitzes to long-term “Road to Glory” projects.
Furthermore, the EA FC 26 Live Start Points have received a vital refresh, capturing the final moments of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League group stages. Here is everything you need to know.
EA FC 26 Career Mode
New Manager Live Challenges
You can find these new scenarios under the Transfer Window tab on the Manager Live Hub page. Each one offers a unique way to play Career Mode:
1. Mateta’s Influence
Bring Jean-Philippe Mateta into your squad and use him to drive European qualification. This challenge is available to any club in the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga or Ligue 1.
Objectives:
- Sign Jean-Philippe Mateta at every club you manage before 1 Feb 2026.
- Score 15 goals with Mateta before 30 May 2026.
- Win 2 UEFA Champions League matches by 31 Dec 2026.
Why it’s fun: this one is a striker-focused narrative — you must recruit the target, make him central to your attack, and prove he can influence both domestic and continental results.
2. Free Agent Road to Glory
A “no-money” miracle run: reach the Premier League using only free-agent signings. This challenge targets managers who like a long-term, resourceful rebuild and can be done with any club in the EFL Championship, EFL League One or EFL League Two.
Objectives:
- Finish at least 10th in the Premier League on 30 May 2031.
- Avoid relegation until 30 Sep 2030.
- Win 5 Premier League matches by 31 Dec 2030.
Why it’s hard: building top-flight stability with zero transfer fees forces excellent scouting, contract management and a strong youth policy.
3. Bosnian Diamond (FC Schalke 04)
Sign veteran Edin Džeko, take Schalke to the Bundesliga and push back into Champions League football. This challenge blends promotion objectives with continental ambitions.
Objectives:
- Score 15 goals with Edin Džeko before 30 May 2026.
- Win 5 Bundesliga matches by 31 Dec 2026.
- Win 2 UEFA Champions League matches by 31 Dec 2028.
Why it’s satisfying: play the role of the experienced coach who signs a veteran and turns immediate results into long-term European success.
Live Start Points Updated
A broad Live Start Points refresh ensures mid-season starts reflect recent fixtures, transfers and rating changes. Key updates included in this release:
- Premier League: gameweek 23 (Jan 27, 2026)
- EFL Championship: gameweek 29 (Jan 27, 2026)
- EFL League One: gameweek 28 (Jan 25, 2026)
- EFL League Two: gameweek 27 (Jan 25, 2026)
- Ligue 1: gameweek 19 (Jan 26, 2026)
- Ligue 2: gameweek 20 (Jan 27, 2026)
- Bundesliga: gameweek 19 (Jan 26, 2026)
- Bundesliga 2: gameweek 19 (Jan 26, 2026)
- 3. Liga: gameweek 21 (Jan 26, 2026)
- Serie A: gameweek 22 (Jan 27, 2026)
- Serie B: gameweek 21 (Jan 26, 2026)
- Eredivisie: gameweek 20 (Jan 26, 2026)
- Liga Portugal: gameweek 19 (Jan 27, 2026)
- Saudi Pro League: gameweek 17 (Jan 27, 2026)
- LaLiga: gameweek 21 (Jan 27, 2026)
- LaLiga 2: gameweek 23 (Jan 27, 2026)
- Süper Lig: gameweek 19 (Jan 27, 2026)
- Women’s Super League: gameweek 13 (Jan 26, 2026)
- Frauen-Bundesliga: gameweek 15 (Jan 26, 2026)
- Liga F: gameweek 17 (Jan 26, 2026)
Note that UEFA Champions League is updated until League Phase – gameweek 8, January 27, 2026 (Final gameweek of the league phase).
Also, note that UEFA Europa League is updated until League Phase – gameweek 8, January 27, 2026 (Final gameweek of the league phase).
Note that the Latest Live Start Points (January 25-27, 2026) unlock the new additions from the latest squad update, featuring new players, managers, transfers, and rating updates.
Also, note that the Latest Live Start Points (January 25-27, 2026) unlock new ICONs from the latest squad update to use in Player Career, featuring Francesco Totti, Juan Román Riquelme, Eric Cantona, and Jairzinho.
A fresh snapshot is available for the next major Ligue 1 match: Olympique Lyonnais vs LOSC Lille. If you like starting your save around a big domestic fixture, this snapshot includes up-to-date lineups and the latest additions.
Final Whistle
This update sharpens Manager Live with three creative transfer-window challenges and gives Career Mode players a current, realistic mid-season starting point across the biggest leagues and European competitions.
Whether you want to sign a season-defining striker, craft a Premier League team from free agents, or ride a veteran back to European nights, these new events add structured, story-driven goals to your Career Mode experience.
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