EA is reportedly in advanced discussions with FIFA to secure the official license for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it could have massive implications for EA FC 26. If successful, this agreement would allow EA to integrate the official tournament branding, name, and iconic trophy directly into the game, paving the way for an unmatched World Cup experience both online and offline.
FIFA World Cup Mode is coming in FC 26
This exciting move signals a potential return to one of the most beloved aspects of past FIFA titles: a dedicated World Cup mode, offering fans an immersive and authentic international tournament setting that extends far beyond standard game modes.
EA in Negotiations for 2026 World Cup License
Key Highlights:
EA is in talks with FIFA to regain the official World Cup license, which could include the tournament's name, trophy, teams, and broadcast-style presentation.
EA FC 26 is expected to feature a standalone World Cup mode alongside the always-popular Ultimate Team experience.
The real-world expansion to 48 teams in the 2026 World Cup brings new depth and excitement to the tournament structure, which EA plans to reflect in the game.
Reviving the Official World Cup Experience
Securing the World Cup license would mark a landmark moment for EA FC 26, reestablishing an element that fans sorely missed following the departure from the FIFA brand. By reintroducing official World Cup components—like licensed teams, stadiums, and visuals—EA could significantly elevate the realism of international tournament gameplay.
It's more than just cosmetic. This move has the potential to immerse players in a digital version of football's biggest stage, mirroring the drama, passion, and high stakes of the actual 2026 tournament.
Standalone World Cup Mode
Leaked details and industry chatter point to a dedicated World Cup mode in FC 26, built from the ground up to deliver the essence of international competition. Unlike Ultimate Team, this mode is expected to focus purely on national squads, tournament-style progression, and immersive single-player or multiplayer campaigns.
Players will be able to:
Choose from any of the 48 qualified nations.
Compete in full group-stage to knockout-round tournaments.
Play offline or online, either against the CPU or other players in competitive formats.
In many ways, this revives the tournament-specific gameplay style that was popularized in FIFA World Cup 2010 and FIFA 14, where the spotlight was entirely on country vs. country clashes, without the distraction of card collecting or market trading.
48 Teams, More Matches, More Drama
The 2026 World Cup will break new ground as the first tournament to feature 48 teams, up from the traditional 32. This change introduces a new group-stage format and a more complex knockout path, which translates to:
More matches per tournament run.
Greater opportunities for underdog stories.
Fresh gameplay challenges around rotation, fatigue, and depth.
For EA FC 26, this creates a more engaging and strategic gameplay loop. Players will need to think beyond starting XIs and start managing their entire squads, preparing for longer campaigns and tougher competition.
Learning from the Past
EA has successfully delivered World Cup content in previous titles:
FIFA 18 launched a free World Cup mode tied to the 2018 Russia tournament.
FIFA 23 included updated World Cup features around the Qatar tournament, including Ultimate Team tie-ins and thematic SBCs.
Standalone games like 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa offered one of the most complete international football simulations of its time.
Now, EA FC 26 seems poised to blend the best of these past experiences with next-gen capabilities and a much broader team pool.
Why This Matters to EA and the Players
Reintroducing the FIFA World Cup into EA FC 26 carries enormous upside:
For EA, it reconnects the brand with the most-watched sporting event in the world, increasing mainstream appeal and opening new monetization opportunities through special editions or promotions.
For players, it adds an entirely new layer of value, especially for those more interested in offline play or immersive, goal-driven experiences.
Not everyone enjoys the grind-heavy nature of Ultimate Team. The World Cup mode offers a structured, narrative-rich alternative, appealing to both newcomers and legacy players who remember the glory days of national pride in FIFA games.
Final Thoughts
EA FC 26 is on the cusp of delivering one of the most exciting new features in football gaming in years. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, and a rumored dedicated mode in development, this could be a defining entry in the EA FC series. The release of FIFA World Cup Mode has the potential to break the mold, and MMOPTK has prepared plenty of FC 26 Coins and help for you to experience the best possible game mode.
Whether you're a hardcore Ultimate Team player, a casual fan of international tournaments, or an aspiring esports competitor, the return of official World Cup content brings something for everyone—and signals a bold new era for digital football.
MMOPTK FC 26 Team
