EA Sports FC 26 begins testing an open-world mode that could mirror The City in NBA 2K26

Ultimate Team is currently the most popular multiplayer mode in EA Sports FC 26. However, the publisher is testing a new way to play that could consume even more hours from its fans. In the UK, USA, and Canada, a technical playtest for a “future, world-based football experience” began on November 3rd. Already, gamers are comparing the feature to The City open-world mode in NBA 2K26.

EA notes that the content in the playtest will not debut in EA FC 26, but rather in future football titles. It’s the largest test it has hosted for the franchise, likely because of the massive scope of the new multiplayer option. Only PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players who have signed up for EA Playtesting are eligible.

Not surprisingly, testers are prohibited from posting any screenshots and videos. Still, fans may have some idea of what to expect from earlier leaks. Vapex Karma on YouTube captured some information and images from a 2024 investor day presentation. The mode would involve detailed, user-created players conversing with one another in an open-world setting. EA set a five-year timetable, but it may be ready for action sooner than anticipated.

Although not confirmed, Volta-like mini games or matches could be a popular way to pass the time. These descriptions may seem familiar to The City in the NBA 2K basketball series. The option first appeared in NBA 2K14 as The Park, before evolving into its current form. Another 2K title, WWE 2K25, showcased The Island, which aims to keep virtual wrestlers logging on.

New EA Sports FC mode, same microtransactions

Critics often accuse annual sports releases, like EA Sports FC 26, of a lack of innovation. For this season, EA updated the career mode with new features and offers authentic gameplay settings that cater to single players. Nevertheless, it’s Ultimate Team, which focuses on competitive multiplayer, that’s the most lucrative.

The open-world endeavor in the upcoming EA FC games will almost certainly thrive on microtransactions. Many players resist purchasing virtual currency to upgrade players and accumulate cosmetics. In any case, if the Switch 2 pre-release testing repeats itself, leaks about what the mode entails will surface soon.