Electronic Arts has announced the official showcase for EA Sports FC 26, the latest iteration of its football franchise, scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Renowned Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović will headline the Ultimate Edition’s cover art, alongside being immortalized as an in-game Icon, joining other football greats featured in the series.

While an exact launch date remains unconfirmed, industry insiders speculate the title will follow its traditional September release pattern. The game’s Ultimate Team mode is expected to introduce revamped mechanics, though specifics remain under wraps until the full reveal.

Players can currently access EA Sports FC 25 through Xbox Game Pass, recently added to the platform’s library. Despite its availability, the previous installment underperformed commercially, with EA citing disappointing sales figures in quarterly reports. This follows a turbulent year for the publisher, which saw record-breaking success with its college football revival title but faced setbacks elsewhere.

Analysts note that the franchise’s revenue dip has raised concerns, given its historical role as EA’s financial cornerstone. Recent restructuring efforts—including project cancellations and studio closures at Respawn and Cliffhanger Games—highlight mounting pressure to deliver with this year’s entry. Failure to rebound could prompt further strategic adjustments within the company.