FC 26 – World Cup 2026
The World Cup Mode in EA Sports FC 26 is one of the most anticipated features of the cycle, driven by the real life 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While previous FIFA titles delivered fully licensed World Cup experiences, FC 26 enters a new era where licensing limitations change how this experience appears in game.
As of now, there is no officially confirmed, fully licensed World Cup mode in FC 26 due to EA no longer holding FIFA rights. That means the traditional tournament format seen in older FIFA titles is not expected to return in the same way. However, World Cup style content is still very likely to exist in different forms across the game.
Will FC 26 Have a World Cup Mode?
FC 26 does not include a fully branded FIFA World Cup mode. Without the FIFA license, EA cannot recreate the official tournament with authentic branding, presentation, and full team licensing.
Instead, the World Cup experience in FC 26 is expected to be delivered through:
- Custom tournaments using national teams already available in game
- Ultimate Team content themed around international football
- Seasonal updates and live content tied to real world events
What a World Cup Mode Usually Includes
In previous FIFA titles, a World Cup mode typically included:
- Group stage followed by knockout rounds
- Qualified national teams and official squads
- Authentic kits, stadiums, and broadcast presentation
- Offline and online tournament modes
Even without official licensing, FC 26 still includes many national teams and players, allowing you to recreate a similar experience manually.
National Teams in FC 26 World Cup Mode
FC 26 is expected to include all national teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, giving players access to a complete international lineup for tournament play. This allows you to recreate the full competition structure using the teams qualified for the tournament.
However, due to licensing limitations, not every team will feature fully authentic squads. Some national teams may include generic or partially licensed players instead of real life footballers.
- Major football nations are usually fully licensed with real players
- Some smaller or unlicensed teams may use generic player names and faces
- Kits and badges may also vary depending on licensing agreements
Despite these limitations, the overall experience still allows for a realistic and complete World Cup setup, especially when combined with custom tournaments and updated squads.
World Cup Content in Ultimate Team
Instead of one standalone mode, FC 26 is expected to focus heavily on Ultimate Team content during the World Cup period.
- Special promo cards based on international performances
- Objectives and SBCs tied to national team players
- Limited time events and themed rewards
- Pack content focused on global football stars
This approach keeps the World Cup relevant across the entire game rather than isolating it in one mode.
How to Create a World Cup Experience in FC 26
You can still build your own World Cup style tournament using existing features in the game.
- Use Kick Off tournament settings with national teams
- Manually recreate group stages and knockout brackets
- Apply real world squads and fixtures for realism
- Adjust difficulty and settings for a competitive feel
With a large player database and multiple licensed national teams, the core structure is already there.