EA Sports has not yet officially announced EA Sports FC 26, but several well-known community leakers have shared detailed information about the upcoming game. The leaks include possible release dates, pre-order content, returning leagues and stadiums, new Hero players, and discussion around the game’s next cover star.
All information currently available is sourced from online platforms such as Fut Sheriff, ASY FUT, and DetectiveFUT, which have a history of publishing accurate information about EA Sports titles. EA has not confirmed any of these leaks.
Key Takeaways
- EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Edition may include up to 6,000 FC Points, a 93+ Icon Evolution for FC 25, early access, and a free Icon.
- The game’s rumored release is September 26, 2025, with a seven-day early access period for Ultimate Edition buyers.
- New hero players like Cesc Fàbregas and Mario Mandžukić may join the roster, and EA is asking fans who should grace the cover.
Leaked Pre-Order Content for EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Edition
According to leaks shared by Fut Sheriff and ASY FUT, players who pre-order the Ultimate Edition of EA Sports FC 26 may receive a set of in-game rewards, reportedly available only to players who pre-order the game on or before August 26, 2025.
The leaked Ultimate Edition pre-order rewards include:
- An untradeable base Icon
- An additional Evolution slot
- Between 4,600 and 6,000 FC Points
- A Season 1 Premium Pass
- Up to seven days of early access
- A unique 93+ Icon Evolution item that applies to EA Sports FC 25
- Additional undisclosed rewards
The leak specifies that the 93+ Icon Evolution item is for EA Sports FC 25, meaning players will be able to use it in the previous game before FC 26 is released. The exact amount of FC Points is not finalized but is listed as a range between 4,600 and 6,000.
EA has given no official confirmation regarding the bonuses or pricing of the Ultimate Edition. The content has not been confirmed for any Standard Edition.
Rumored Release Dates for EA Sports FC 26
According to Fut Sheriff, EA Sports FC 26 is expected to be released on September 26, 2025. For players who pre-order the Ultimate Edition, the game may become available earlier, with early access beginning September 19, 2025.
This timeline matches EA’s previously stated release window of July to September 2025, as mentioned in their financial results. The leak also states that the Ultimate Edition pre-order deadline is August 26, 2025, exactly one month before the rumored full release date.
Earlier leaks had pointed to a possible August release date, but that expectation was based on the previously assumed release window for Grand Theft Auto 6, which has since been delayed to March 2026. That delay has shifted attention back to a late September release for FC 26, consistent with past EA Sports football titles.
Reported Ultimate Edition Rewards Raise Familiar Criticism
The inclusion of 4,600 to 6,000 FC Points as a pre-order bonus has once again drawn comparisons to online gambling. FC Points are used to purchase in-game packs, which contain randomized rewards. While not mentioned directly by EA, this type of randomized item system has led to public scrutiny in the past, especially when linked to real-money transactions and bonus content for early buyers.
These concerns are often raised in discussions about Ultimate Team, but no regulatory or structural changes were referenced in the leaks. EA has not commented on the inclusion of FC Points in FC 26.
New Hero Cards Reportedly Coming to Ultimate Team
The leaks also indicate that EA Sports FC 26 will include new Hero players. These players, available in Ultimate Team mode, are often former professionals with memorable career moments.
According to the leaked information, the following names are expected to be featured as Heroes in FC 26:
- Cesc Fàbregas
- Mario Mandžukić
- Michael Carrick
No further details have been shared about their ratings or specific cards. EA has not officially confirmed its inclusion.
Stadiums and Leagues Could Return Following Licensing Changes
The Allianz Arena, which is the home stadium of Bayern Munich, may return in EA Sports FC 26. The leak notes that Konami lost the rights to Bayern Munich, potentially allowing EA to reintroduce the stadium, which had previously been excluded due to licensing restrictions.
Similarly, Mexico’s Liga MX may also return to the game. The league has not appeared in an EA football title since FIFA 22, after Konami signed an exclusivity deal. However, the leak states that Konami removed all Liga MX clubs from eFootball 2025, which may mean the exclusivity is no longer in place.
No confirmation from EA has been made regarding the return of the Allianz Arena or Liga MX.
EA Sports Asks Fans to Suggest the Next Cover Star
In addition to gameplay features, EA has reportedly begun asking fans which footballer should be on the cover of EA Sports FC 26. The following players have been mentioned by the community and included in public discussions based on their 2024–25 season performances.
Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old winger for Barcelona, played for Spain’s national team and helped win UEFA Euro 2024.
Harry Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich, scored 26 goals in 31 Bundesliga matches and 11 goals in European competition. He also helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title.
Ousmane Dembélé, from Paris Saint-Germain, contributed 21 goals and 8 assists in Ligue 1, and 8 goals and 6 assists in 15 Champions League games, helping PSG win their first-ever Champions League title.
Mohamed Salah, who plays for Liverpool, recorded 29 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League during the 2024–25 season, plus more contributions in other competitions. He has never appeared as a cover athlete on an EA Sports football game.
Nuno Mendes, a PSG left back, helped the team win four trophies during the season, including the Champions League. He is also expected to be on the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
No official announcement has been made about the final cover athlete for EA Sports FC 26.
