EA Sports has officially revealed the cover athletes for EA Sports FC 26—and football’s next generation is front and centre. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala share this year’s cover, marking a huge moment for two players who have risen through the ranks together. The Ultimate Edition will feature Ibrahimovic.
“It’s really nice to share this moment with Jamal, as a reflection of how far we’ve come,” Bellingham said. “I remember our times rooming together in the England Youth team, playing the game all the time. Where I’m from, everyone knows the game, everyone plays it and talks about it so much. I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to be on the cover again.”
Musiala echoed the excitement: “When I found out I’d be on the cover of FC, it was such a crazy feeling. I thought, how could I tell my little brother? He’s a big fan of the game, so this will be a nice surprise for him. It’s something I always wanted growing up and it’s such a big part of football culture. Who knows, maybe I can still beat Jude at FC.”
What’s New in FC 26
EA Sports is pitching FC 26 as a major leap forward, driven by fan feedback and years of refinement.
- Refined Gameplay Fundamentals:
Expect sharper dribbling responsiveness, smoother run curves, new reinforcement‑learning goalkeeper positioning, close‑body volumetric animations, and more versatile Playstyles and Player Roles. - Authentic & Competitive Gameplay Presets:
Career Mode players can opt for Authentic Gameplay—the most true‑to‑football experience yet—while Competitive Gameplay brings refined fundamentals and added responsiveness tailored for Ultimate Team and Clubs. - Manager Live in Career Mode:
A new live hub introduces variable‑length challenges inspired by real‑world football events. Alongside traditional Career and Live Start Points, Manager Live ensures there’s always a fresh objective on the horizon. - Archetypes:
Inspired by the game’s greats, Archetypes add unique player classes in Clubs and Player Career. Attributes can be upgraded to unlock Archetype Perks, giving each footballer a distinct identity on the pitch. - Live Events and Tournaments in Ultimate Team:
Ultimate Team evolves with Live Events, new Tournament modes, and a refreshed Rivals and Champs setup—inviting players to test their dream squads in new ways. - Unrivalled Authenticity:
With over 20,000 licensed players, 750+ clubs, 120 stadiums and 35+ leagues, FC 26 continues to deliver unmatched authenticity, backed by more than 300 global football partners.
FC 26 launches soon with Bellingham and Musiala leading the charge—bringing their generation’s flair to the cover and ushering in the most ambitious version of EA Sports’ football series yet.