Hey EA FC 26 fans! With the real FIFA World Cup 2026 just weeks away, EA SPORTS is bringing the global spectacle to your console.
IGN has exclusively revealed the first details and screenshots of The World’s Game Update for EA FC 26 (and FC Mobile).
While EA doesn’t hold the official FIFA license, the update – launching on May 28 for mobile and June 4 for console/PC – introduces a brand‑new 48‑team international tournament mode, featuring 53 fully licensed and playable national teams (41 of which are competing in the actual World Cup).
New stadiums include Gillette Stadium and BMO Field, plus a brand‑new arena called Central Maw.
And if that’s not enough, Ultimate Team players who log in between June 5 and July 24 will receive a free 93 OVR Festival of Football ICON Pelé, plus two brand new ICONs: Rivellino and Mario Kempes. Let’s dive into everything we know.
Update – May 28: Good news! The update is finally live and available to download now.
EA FC 26 Update
The World’s Game Tournament
The standalone tournament mode takes you through three group stage matches, with the top two teams from each group progressing alongside the eight best third‑placed teams across all groups.
From there, it’s a straight knockout: Round of 32, then quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, and the final. It’s a faithful recreation of the real 2026 World Cup format – minus the official FIFA branding.
Fully Licensed Nations
EA has secured licensing rights for an impressive 53 national teams. Of these, 41 are actually competing in the 2026 World Cup. The full list of fully licensed nations (authentic kits, crests, real players) includes:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Cabo Verde
- Canada
- Colombia
- Congo DR
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- England
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Ghana
- Haiti
- Holland
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Ivory Coast
- Korea Republic
- Mexico
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Northern Ireland
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Republic of Ireland
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Scotland
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tunisia
- Turkiye
- Ukraine
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Wales
Note: Bosnia & Herzegovina and Congo DR will have generic kits at launch (June 4), with authentic kits coming in a future update.
Non‑Licensed but Authentic Players:
- Egypt and Japan – feature real players (including Salah, Marmoush, Tomiyasu, etc.) but generic branding.
- Algeria, Curaçao, Iran, Iraq, Jordan – generic squads with generic players (no real names).
EA explained: “National team inclusion depends on our ability to secure licensing rights directly and comply with applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. sanctions.”
New Stadiums
- Gillette Stadium (home of the New England Revolution, USA) – a real 2026 World Cup venue.
- BMO Field (Toronto, Canada) – another official host stadium.
- Central Maw – a brand‑new generic stadium “built to capture the atmosphere of top‑tier international football.”
These join the three already in EA FC 26: BC Place (Vancouver), Lumen Field (Seattle), and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Atlanta).
Ultimate Team
The update isn’t just about tournament mode. Ultimate Team gets a dedicated Event Hub with Festival of Football themed campaigns. The highlights:
- Log in and play EA FC 26 between June 5 and July 24 → receive a 93 OVR Festival of Football ICON Pelé (free!).
- Three ‘Choose Your Journey’ Evolutions – customise your path to glory.
- Over 100 new international players added to the FUT pool.
- Two brand new ICONs:
- Rivellino (Brazilian legend, 1970 World Cup winner)
- Mario Kempes (Argentine hero, 1978 World Cup top scorer)
They will debut with special Greats of the Game versions on June 19. Their Base versions will be available in packs from June 26.
When Can You Play?
- EA FC Mobile: The World’s Game Update arrives May 28.
- EA FC 26 (Console/PC): The update drops June 4 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
- The 48‑team tournament mode becomes playable from June 4.
- Ultimate Team Festival of Football runs June 5 – July 24.
Tell us in the comments which game you are interested in and which device you will be playing the game and update on.
Final Whistle
The World’s Game Update is the final major content drop for EA FC 26, and it’s a proper celebration of international football.
With 53 licensed nations, new stadiums (Gillette, BMO, Central Maw), a full 48‑team tournament mode, and an Ultimate Team campaign that gives away a free 93 OVR Pelé plus Rivellino and Kempes, there’s never been a better time to jump back in.
Mark your calendars for June 4 – the world’s game is coming home to your console. Follow us to find the latest exclusive news and updates about the world of EA SPORTS FC video games.
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