EA SPORTS FC 26 Reveals 2025 Covers Featuring Bellingham and Musiala

EA SPORTS FC 26 returns with new stars on the cover and game-changing features shaped by real community feedback for football fans worldwide.

EA SPORTS has pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated football title, EA SPORTS FC 26, with a new gameplay trailer, a raft of community-driven innovations, and the announcement of its cover athletes: Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, and—already revealed for the Ultimate Edition—Zlatan Ibrahimović. Set for release worldwide on September 26, 2025, with early access starting September 19 for Ultimate Edition owners, FC 26 promises to usher in a new era for the series powered by fan feedback and technical innovation.

Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala Lead the FC 26 Cover

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham returns to the cover of EA SPORTS FC, joining his former England youth teammate Jamal Musiala, making Musiala the first FC Bayern Munich player to appear globally on an FC cover. The pair’s selection underscores both their status as generational talents and their history together as gamers themselves—bringing a fresh and authentic edge to the franchise’s new chapter. Zlatan Ibrahimović also features as the Ultimate Edition cover star.

“It’s really nice to share this moment with Jamal, as a reflection of how far we’ve come. I remember our times rooming together in the England Youth team, we’d play the game all the time,” said Bellingham. “Everyone knows the game, everyone plays it and talks about it so much. I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to be on the cover again.”

“When I found out I’d be on the cover of FC, it was such a crazy feeling,” Musiala added. “I thought, how could I tell my little brother? He’s a big fan of the game, so this will be a nice surprise for him.”

Community-Powered Innovations and Gameplay Enhancements

EA SPORTS FC 26 is distinguished by its embrace of player input, delivering a suite of new and overhauled systems:

• Refined Gameplay Fundamentals: Enhanced dribbling responsiveness, fluidity, improved run curves, all-new reinforcement-learning-powered goalkeeper positioning, close-body volumetric animations, and updated Playstyles and Player Roles.

• Competitive & Authentic Presets: A new Competitive Gameplay preset for Football Ultimate Team and Clubs, and an Authentic preset that promises the most realistic Career Mode yet.

• Manager Live in Career Mode: The all-new Manager Live hub brings live challenges and scenarios based on real-world football, offering evolving objectives and dynamic career paths.

• Archetypes in Clubs and Player Career: This new feature, inspired by football’s greatest, allows players to develop unique abilities and unlock special Perks, adding individuality and depth to custom avatars.

• New Live Events & Tournament Modes: Football Ultimate Team evolves with new Live Events and Tournament structures, alongside refreshed Rivals and Champs for more dynamic online play.

• Unrivaled Authenticity: With over 20,000 players across 750+ clubs and national teams, 120+ stadiums, and more than 35 leagues, FC 26 remains committed to real-world representation and detail thanks to its broad network of football partners.

“FC 26 reflects our ongoing commitment to building this game with and for our community,” said John Shepherd, VP & GM, EA SPORTS FC. “This year brings an overhauled gameplay experience, new Tournaments and Live Events in FUT, all-new Archetype customization in Clubs, and a Career Mode that comes alive through evolving Challenges. We can’t wait for players to feel the difference this September and help shape the future of FC.”

Expanding Fan Engagement: FC Feedback Initiative

Reinforcing its community-first approach, EA SPORTS is launching FC Feedback, a new hub for direct player input that brings together the Player Feedback Portal, Design Councils, Discord, forums, and social media. This ensures that features and updates are truly shaped by what fans want.

Mobile and Special In-Game Events

Fans who play EA SPORTS FC Mobile between July 17-31 will receive exclusive in-game items: 102 OVR Jude Bellingham and 102 OVR Jamal Musiala, alongside Zlatan Ibrahimović’s ICON Chronicles. Plus, FC Mobile’s latest improvements—like updated ground passing—are informed by real player feedback, raising the bar for competitive authenticity.

Release Details and Platforms

EA SPORTS FC 26 releases globally on September 26, 2025, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Amazon Luna, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Early access is available from September 19 via the Ultimate Edition and for EA Play members (10-hour trial). Pre-orders are now live, and EA Play subscribers receive rewards and digital content discounts.

For ongoing news and updates, follow EA SPORTS FC’s channels and visit their website for more details and pre-order options.

EA SPORTS FC 26 is set to deliver the series’ most personalized, authentic, and community-designed football experience yet—signaling a digital future shaped by the passion and voices of real fans.