FIFA 26

Another year, another football game from EA. For the third time, the series carries the FC name instead of FIFA, yet everything around it feels familiar but better. The brand sells millions of copies, but some people still argue online about bugs and recycled features. The question arises: has EA made significant improvements with FC 26, or is it essentially the same game with a new cover?

After spending a year with FC 25, many players were ready to move on. Compared to FIFA 24, FC 25 was not a big change. The menus looked the same, the gameplay felt nearly identical, and almost nothing seemed improved. That made FC 26 an easy target for low expectations, but surprisingly, it’s actually really good. While it may not be flawless, its quality is sufficient to entice you to play again.

The most important change is what happens on the pitch. When the football itself works, everything else becomes easier to forgive. Good news: the gameplay is smooth and enjoyable. Passing is sharp, crosses make sense, goalkeepers react properly, and the AI has finally stopped acting like a bunch of confused mannequins. You can actually build up play and feel in control again. It’s the first time in years the series has felt like real football.

The animation system has also improved a lot. Earlier versions looked realistic but felt slow and heavy. Now, everything connects better. Players turn faster, animations blend smoothly, and matches have a natural rhythm. The balance between good visuals and fast gameplay just got right in FIFA 26.

Defending has caused a lot of debate. Many say it’s too hard, and early on, they’re not wrong. Low-rated defenders are slower, so it’s not enough to spam the tackle button anymore. You have to time it well, and that takes a bit of learning. After the first update, things became fairer, and once you get used to it, defending feels more skill-based than before. It’s actually satisfying to win the ball cleanly.

The AI now expects more from you too. In both Career and FC 26 Ultimate Team modes, you can’t rely on the computer to defend everything. Positioning, switching players, and reading the game matter more than ever. It’s tougher at first but makes every match more engaging.

Some modes also got real updates this time. Manager Career now includes live events, which keep the season from being repetitive. Clubs, Rush, and Ultimate Team also added similar elements. FC 26 Ultimate Team has a few new features like Bounties and Win Streaks, which truly reward consistent play. The old qualification matches are gone, replaced by a system that’s a bit more relaxed for casual players.

Another big change is the new archetype system in both Career and Clubs modes. You pick a character type from a list of 13 and then build your attributes with AP points. Each archetype has its own strengths and special playstyle abilities. It’s a small thing that brings a unique vibe for the players. Once you finish leveling one type, you can start another for a different position, so you’re not stuck with one setup forever.

EA will always get hate for how it handles the series, but honestly, FC 26 is a great game. The gameplay is smoother, the animations work well, and the modes actually give you reasons to keep playing. It’s not a revolution, but after FC 25, it feels like a genuine improvement.