EA Sports FC26 marks a transformational update to the franchise, introducing dual gameplay modes, deeper tactical systems, and a refined focus on realism. While it’s a strong step forward in some aspects, not all of its innovations land cleanly, particularly for those who favour the methodical rhythm of Career Mode.
Gameplay: Smarter, Slower, and More Demanding
This year’s edition rebalances player movement and speed, aiming for greater realism. In Authentic Mode, you’ll immediately notice that players feel heavier and slower — a clear shift from the pace-driven gameplay fans are used to. Sprinting down the wings and breaking through defenders is harder, sometimes frustratingly so, but it forces more thoughtful build-up play.
PlayStyles now play a bigger role, adding personality and complexity to each player’s performance. However, this new emphasis can also throw off long-standing tactics, especially in Manager Career, where previously reliable formations may no longer work to the same effectiveness as before. It’s a bold idea that encourages tactical awareness, but one that may frustrate players who enjoyed the predictability and sense of control of past titles.
Manager Career: Ambitious but Restrictive
Manager Career receives a significant overhaul, yet not all of it feels like progress. The redesigned Manager Hub looks fresh but adds unnecessary steps to simple actions like swapping team sheets or adjusting tactics. The new Youth Squad Rush feature, which lets you play small-sided matches with your prospects, sounds engaging on paper, but quickly becomes repetitive and feels disconnected from the main management loop, given its added value does not make up for the investment in time playing through youth tournaments.
Player management has also become more rigid, in the sense that there is a lot more the manager cannot control. Contract renewals can now stall if a player “needs to develop more”, yet the game provides little or no guidance on how to resolve it, ultimately resulting in an inevitable and painful free transfer. Similarly, transfer and contract negotiations swing unpredictably, often leading to frustrating dead ends. While these elements add a touch of realism, they also reduce a manager’s sense of control, which might be the opposite of what most career enthusiasts want.
Live Start Brings Real Football Into Career Mode
One of the most interesting additions to FC 26 is the Live Start system, which brings real-world football data directly into Career Mode. Players can now begin their Manager or Player career based on the current, real-time season standings — meaning league tables, form, and even recent transfers from the real football world are reflected in your save.
This feature, integrated in Manager Career through the new Manager Live Hub, adds dynamic weekly and seasonal challenges tied to real football events like transfer window frenzies, title races, and knockout runs. Completing them rewards exclusive items such as retro kits, icons, and heroes via the Season Pass. It’s an ambitious concept that makes Career Mode feel more alive and connected to the sport — even if some players may prefer the timelessness of a traditional save (Original mode).
Player Career: More Control, Less Longevity
On the flip side, Player Career is in a good spot. You can once again create your player or take control of an existing one, shaping your journey through choices both on and off the pitch. The expanded personality system and new off-field activities and investments add depth, but once you master the training cycle and gain the manager’s trust, repetition sets in. It’s fun and empowering at first, but might lack the long-term engagement and diversity to keep you hooked.
Verdict
EA Sports FC 26 is an impressive technical update, with smarter AI, refined dribbling, and a new distinction between Competitive and Authentic gameplay modes. Yet for all its innovation, it sometimes mistakes realism for restriction. The tighter control and polished presentation are commendable, but Manager Career in particular feels less satisfying and more punishing than before.
Still, with the introduction of Live Start, FC 26 finally blurs the line between real-world football and its virtual counterpart — a feature that, if refined further, could redefine the way players experience Career Mode in the years to come.
