EA FC (formerly FIFA) fans, including myself, have long complained that the company ignores Career Mode and favors the paid mode Ultimate Team. The studio seems to have finally listened to player complaints and feedback. It has announced new EA FC 26 Career Mode features that could significantly change the way you play. It is said to deliver a more authentic, immersive, and near-real-world football manager experience to fans of the mode.
Let’s have a look at the new EA FC 26 Career Mode features that could make it the best release in a long time. However, do note that all of these features are meant for Manager Career and only one of them is aimed at Player Career. This means if you enjoy playing Player Career more, you are still in for a disappointment.
(Check Out Our Thoughts On EA Sports NCAA Football Making a Swift Return)
Note: Affiliate Disclosure: At PlayRatedGames, our content is made possible by our readers. If you purchase a game or product through links on our site, we may receive a small commission. This support helps us continue publishing honest, independent reviews. Our recommendations are based solely on what we believe offers real value to players — never influenced by affiliate partnerships.
New EA FC 26 Career Mode Features
Manager Live Challenges
Manager Career Mode players, including myself, have always wanted to play challenging scenarios rather than a typical league season every time. EA has finally listened to those requests as it has introduced Manager Live Challenges. It will offer weekly and monthly challenges that will allow players to enjoy the mode with fresh objectives.
EA says some of these challenges will be similar to real-world football action, like UEFA Champions League knock-out matches and transfer window action. There will be Reactive Challenges that will let players experience “What If?” scenarios like surviving the relegation battle or emerging victorious in a fiery title battle. If you ask me, I am more excited about Reactive Challenges as possibilities are simply endless.
Players will earn exclusive kit rewards on completing these challenges that can be used in the Manager Career. These rewards also include retro kits for your favorite and iconic clubs. Another perk of completing challenges is that they will count towards Season Pass progress to unlock more rewards.
ICONS and Heroes
EA Sports FC 26 will mark the addition of ICONs and Heroes to the Manager Career Mode. It means players will finally be able to use legends in career saves to build their dream team. Some of these players are David Beckham, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and Puskas.
These players are part of Season Pass rewards that can be unlocked by progressing through Manager Live Challenges. Do note that you will be able to use newly unlocked ICONS and Heroes only in new Career Mode saves. Additionally, these legends can also be added to current-generation squads of different teams.
Unexpected Events
The only thing confirmed to happen in a real-world football season is that no matter how well you plan, things can always go south. This results in managers having to change strategies and adapt to continue the club’s growth and success. EA is set to bring the same feeling of uncertainty to EA FC 26 Manager Career Mode with the addition of Unexpected Events.
Unexpected Events will mostly be events that are not in your control to begin with. For example, a player getting injured while playing for his nation, your tactics getting leaked, or a change of ownership at the club. These events will require immediate response, and your decisions could affect your future at the club as well as the club’s progress. Some of these decisions will also affect your relationship with the squad, as it could either boost the team morale or do the opposite.
This new addition will ensure that the Manager Career mode continues to feel fresh and does not get boring/repetitive with each passing season.
Manager Market
EA is finally adding a dynamic element to AI-controlled managers’ careers. It means they can now move to other clubs either on their own or as a result of sacking or poaching. You will not see AI managers tied to just one club across multiple seasons anymore. Manager Market is the place that will help you track every manager’s job security level and a club’s likelihood of hiring you.
When a manager leaves, a club may appoint a temporary caretaker manager until a replacement is found. They can also become a full-time manager at the club if they meet the board’s expectations. Another benefit of new managers joining clubs is that they will bring their vision and tactics.
Players will be able to apply for vacant manager positions at clubs if their performance and tactical vision match the requirements. They can also shortlist clubs to keep an eye on opportunities available at their desired clubs.
Player Archetypes
As of now, Player Archetypes is the only new major feature coming to EA FC 26 Player Career mode. It was first introduced for the Clubs mode and will work similarly in Player Career. You can now unlock, progress, and develop 13 unique Player Archetypes based on real-world football icons. Each Archetype will offer a special set of strengths, weaknesses, and player abilities.
The new Archetype system will allow you to have a personalised and strategic approach to your Player Career growth and journey. Training drills have also been redesigned to hone your player’s skills relevant to the chosen Archetype.
These newly announced features are undoubtedly exciting on paper, but only the actual gameplay experience will tell if they are worth the hype. EA FC 26 is set to release on September 26 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Its Ultimate Edition will offer up to 7 days of early access alongside other perks.
