EA Sports FC 26 Leak Points to Surprise August Release Date and Major Mode Removal
In a surprising twist for FC 26 Coins football gaming fans, a new leak suggests EA Sports FC 26 could be arriving much earlier than expected—and with some significant changes. If the leak is to be believed, this year’s edition of EA’s annual football sim may break tradition with a rare August release, a potential shake-up to the typical launch cycle fans have grown accustomed to for over two decades.
The information comes from a trusted source in the FIFA and EA FC community, known online as AhcanFUT. Known for credible leaks in the past, AhcanFUT has now stirred conversation with a post that claims EA Sports FC 26 will launch its Ultimate Team edition on Saturday, August 23—well ahead of EA’s usual September or October release window.
A First for the Franchise: August Launch
Since the year 2000, every major title in the FIFA/EA FC series has launched in the autumn, typically between late September and early October. Earlier entries in the 2000s would sometimes release at the end of October, but for the last decade, fans have grown used to a consistent September schedule.
If the August 23 launch date proves accurate, it would be a major departure from that formula—and one that raises a lot of questions. Notably, the new date would place the game’s release before the close of the summer transfer window, which ends on September 1. This timing could lead to incomplete squads at launch, as real-life player moves wouldn’t yet be finalized. Additionally, it would arrive after the Premier League season kicks off (August 16), but still earlier than most EA football games historically.
What About the Standard Edition?
The leaked date applies specifically to the Ultimate Team edition, which typically offers a few days of early access ahead of the standard version. However, this year’s early access appears unusually early—a full month ahead of what fans are used to. That timeline seems unlikely on its own, which has led some to speculate that the Standard Edition may also be releasing in August—possibly just days after the Ultimate Edition.
Such a shift could reflect EA’s desire to capitalize on early-season hype or align with buy EAFC 26 Coins other internal business strategies. Still, it would be one of the boldest release changes the company has made in years.