"Perspectives of UAE Gamers Regarding Electronic Arts' Football Championship 26"
Husain Rizvi, Senior Features Writer
In anticipation of its release, EA SPORTS FC 26 is set to make waves among the football gaming community, particularly in the UAE, where esports viewership and regional tournaments are on the rise. The highly-anticipated game, previously known as FIFA, promises significant improvements and changes, as highlighted by the UAE football gaming community and wider player feedback.
Gameplay Mechanics
FC 26 introduces improved dribbling and passing systems for more responsive control, along with enhanced AI positioning for more fluid attacking and defensive play. The attacking runs logic has been revamped so players make more intelligent runs into open space, not strictly limited by their assigned roles. Defensive AI now better man-marks opponents inside the box and employs a more realistic defensive line height to avoid awkward offside traps. These changes aim to create a more dynamic and fun experience, balancing realism and competitive play.
Gameplay Presets
Two new presets — Competitive and Authentic — allow players to choose between a faster, more reactive style tuned for head-to-head modes like Ultimate Team and Clubs, and a slower, more realistic experience suited to modes such as Career, including lifelike goalmouth scrambles and positionally aware goalkeepers.
Archetypes System
Inspired by football legends, new Archetypes allow players to develop and train their characters in diverse playstyles. Players can earn Archetype XP to unlock perks, enhancing customization in Clubs and Player Career modes.
Ultimate Team Revamp
EA SPORTS FC 26 brings significant changes to Ultimate Team for a more dynamic experience. Key gameplay improvements include less bouncing after tackles or saves, more emphasis on manual defending, and a new competitive camera tailored for Ultimate Team. The Champions format gains visual updates, more reward levels, and eliminates Playoffs for qualification, now granting access from higher divisions directly. A new second-tier event, FC26 Challengers, broadens participation to weekend leagues while keeping best rewards in Champions. Community frustrations are addressed by awarding wins to players who disconnect or suffer opponent disconnections, with penalties introduced for repeat offenders for fair matchmaking.
Career Mode Updates
Career mode expands tactical depth by adding new player roles such as Box Crasher, Ball-Playing Keeper, and Inverted Wingback, with reworked roles like Wide Midfielder mimicking wingbacks. This opens more tactical possibilities, addressing community concerns about previous systems. Manager presence is enhanced through new intro cinematics and touchline animations, enriching the immersive experience.
The return of the Brazil football team to FC 26 is significant, as they were absent in previous editions due to licensing issues. Manager Live, a dynamic hub with rotating challenges inspired by real-world football, has been introduced in Career Mode. UAE-based content creator Bibi Zumot finds the gameplay in FC 26 to be more fluid and less frustrating compared to previous years, while lifelong fan Sultan Khalifa appreciates the presentation and atmosphere of FC 26 to be more alive compared to previous editions.
Emirati content creator Saqr_fut expects high expectations from FC 26, given the community's complaints about bugs, gameplay issues, and broken mechanics in FC 25. Early access to FC 26 through the Ultimate Edition will begin on September 19, 2025, with the game set to release worldwide on September 26, 2025. The game will be available for PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (EA App/Steam), Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Amazon Luna.
John Shepherd, EA SPORTS FC VP & GM, has stated that FC 26 brings an overhauled gameplay experience and a Career Mode that comes alive through evolving challenges. For creators like 88K and Saqr, it's important to push EA to be better, and this time, it seems like EA is actually listening to the community's feedback. The game aims to reset the tone and rebuild trust with the community, following a mixed reception to last year's FC 25.
Ahmad Alkadri, also known as 88K, is a regional creator with a focus on FC's Ultimate Team mode and gameplay breakdowns, who appreciates the new direction, citing improvements like smarter AI, better dribbling responsiveness, and smarter goalkeeper behavior. Regional esports tournaments and the growing UAE football gaming community create a highly engaged, increasingly vocal market for FC 26. EA has acknowledged the community's criticisms in the teaser for FC 26, which is a rare move.
In conclusion, the UAE football gaming community's highlights mirror global feedback, emphasizing smoother gameplay, smarter AI positioning, more tactical customization, and fairer, more engaging game modes designed to enhance both realism and competitive integrity in EA SPORTS FC 26.
- The UAE football gaming community is highly anticipating the release of EA SPORTS FC 26, as it may address persistent issues and offer improved gaming experience.
- With the introduction of new gameplay presets, players can now choose between a competitive and authentic gameplay style, tailoring their gameplay experience to different modes like Career or Ultimate Team.
- In an attempt to make games more realistic and fun, EA SPORTS FC 26 has revamped various aspects of gameplay, such as enhanced AI positioning for more fluid gameplay, improved dribbling and passing systems, and more intelligent runs for attacking players.
- EA SPORTS FC 26 addresses issues in its Ultimate Team mode by implementing changes like less bouncing after tackles, more emphasis on manual defending, and a new competitive camera specifically for Ultimate Team.
- The Career Mode in EA SPORTS FC 26 now offers new player roles and enhanced manager presence, as well as a dynamic hub with rotating challenges inspired by real-world football events, addressing community concerns about tactical depth and immersion.
