FC 26 Leaks: 10 Massive Reveals That Will Change the Game Forever

• 1. Maradona’s Back & Over 10 New ICONs Incoming
• 2. Open World Mode Is Official – Think NBA MyPark Meets Football
• 3. Eight New FUT Heroes Incoming – Fabregas, Carrick & More
• 4. Real World Moments in Instant Replay – VAR Meets FUT
• 5. 🎮 Gameplay Revamp – Meta Mechanics Getting Overhauled
• 6. Career Mode Gets Smarter with AI Personalities
• 7. Early Release Date – Ultimate Edition Drops in
• 8. Jude Bellingham Confirmed as Cover Star
• 9. No World Cup Mode – EA Loses Tournament Rights
• 10. Crossplay & Moments Removed – Two Modes Axed
• Conclusion

Everything about EA Sports FC 26 has seemingly leaked, and the upcoming installment looks like it's ready to shake up the football gaming world more than ever before. From open world modes to iconic new players and game-changing gameplay adjustments, this could be the biggest leap in the series since its rebranding from FIFA. We’ve broken down the top 10 most exciting FC 26 leaks you need to know — and trust us, you’re going to want to read every word of this.

Let’s dive into the ten biggest FC 26 leaks that are getting the entire football gaming community hyped.

1. Maradona’s Back & Over 10 New ICONs Incoming

FC 26 is reportedly dropping over 10 brand-new ICONs, and the list is insane. After years of legal disputes, Diego Maradona has officially allowed EA to use his likeness again, which is already historic. But it gets better — EA has spent more than $40 million securing image rights for other legends of the game. The leaked names include Arjen Robben, Sergio Agüero, Toni Kroos, and Alex Morgan, the GOAT of women’s football. This could mark the most stacked ICON lineup in the history of Ultimate Team.

For longtime fans and new players alike, this addition brings a refreshing wave of nostalgia and prestige to the mode. Imagine putting Robben on the right wing with his deadly left foot or unleashing Aguero’s finishing abilities in clutch situations. Female ICONs getting proper recognition also signals EA’s dedication to making FC 26 the most inclusive and comprehensive football game ever made. If you thought the ICON pool was already deep — it’s about to feel endless.

2. Open World Mode Is Official – Think NBA MyPark Meets Football

In what may be the boldest move EA has made, FC 26 is expected to feature a full open world football mode, and yes, it’s been officially confirmed. According to leaks from a private EA presentation, the new mode is still in early development but is targeted to debut as early as FC 26. Think NBA 2K’s MyPark, but set in the streets of Brazil, where you can take your avatar, team up with friends, and play 3v3 or 5v5 matches on street courts, back alleys, or even rooftop cages.

The idea behind the mode is to combine street culture, player customization, and online multiplayer in a way that’s never been done in football games before. EA is building a living, breathing environment where freestyle skills, chemistry, and creativity matter more than tactics and meta formations. If this lands right, it could easily become a permanent part of the franchise, possibly even rivalling FUT in popularity over the next few years.

3.  Eight New FUT Heroes Incoming – Fabregas, Carrick & More

Let’s talk Heroes — and no, not just the ones we already know. According to reputable leakers and content creators like Reefifa, FC 26 will include eight brand-new FUT Heroes, adding another layer of excitement for Ultimate Team fans. Names on the rumored list include Cesc Fabregas, Michael Carrick, Gilberto Silva, Esteban Cambiasso, Mario Mandzukic, and even Jan Koller, the towering Czech striker. Surprisingly, even Marouane Fellaini made the cut — hairstyle and all.

While some of these players might not have had ICON-level careers, they’re beloved by fans for their unique playstyles, cult status, or legendary moments. The inclusion of a more diverse and era-spanning selection of players makes Ultimate Team feel richer and more grounded in football history. Heroes continue to bridge the gap between realism and fantasy, and if this leak proves accurate, FC 26’s Hero lineup might be its best yet.

4. Real World Moments in Instant Replay – VAR Meets FUT

One of the most fascinating FC 26 leaks is the addition of Real World Moments in Instant Replay. EA is reportedly introducing a new feature that allows players to view and analyze highlights from real-life Premier League games directly in the game’s replay engine. Even more intriguing, users will be able to review referee decisions, essentially adding a virtual VAR tool for fans to dissect controversial moments.

This is not just a gimmick — it’s part of EA’s push to merge real-life football and video games, creating an immersive ecosystem where your gaming experience is enhanced by the sport's latest drama. Picture logging into FC 26 on Sunday morning and watching a controversial penalty decision from the previous day's Manchester Derby play out inside the game. It could change how fans discuss and engage with both real matches and their digital counterparts.

5. 🎮 Gameplay Revamp – Meta Mechanics Getting Overhauled

After years of criticism around pay-to-win mechanics and glitchy gameplay, EA is finally pivoting toward making gameplay the core focus of FC 26. Their new mantra? Fix what’s broken, reward skill, and stop the endless loop of overpowered mechanics. According to leaks, EA is dedicating massive resources to removing bugs, rebalancing defensive AI, and ensuring mechanics like constant pressure, through-ball spamming, and goalkeeper glitches are addressed before launch.

The increased focus is tied to EA’s investment in FC Pro, their growing eSports scene. They want FC 26 to be a platform that supports serious competition, clean mechanics, and fairness for all players. This could be a turning point for fans who’ve long been frustrated with gameplay inconsistencies. With the right adjustments, FC 26 may finally feel like a football sim again, not just a flashy card-collecting app.

6. Career Mode Gets Smarter with AI Personalities

Career Mode fans, you’ve been heard. One of the biggest innovations coming to FC 26 is the integration of AI voices and personalities into Career Mode. EA is experimenting with generative AI to create realistic voice interactions, so players in your squad can actually talk, argue, motivate, or even demand transfers based on their in-game personality and career trajectory. It’s a level of immersion Career Mode has never had.

Imagine a young talent asking for more minutes, or your captain giving halftime speeches — all organically generated based on game events. The mode could feel more alive, like managing a real team with real egos and ambitions. While this tech might still be in its early stages, the leak suggests FC 26 will roll out the first version of dynamic team personalities, possibly redefining how we play offline modes entirely.

7. Early Release Date – Ultimate Edition Drops in August

Here’s a timeline shake-up you didn’t see coming — FC 26 Ultimate Edition is reportedly releasing on August 23, with the official trailer dropping in late May. For the first time ever, EA is aligning the launch with the start of the Premier League season, which means players can dive in while the real-world football buzz is at its peak. No more waiting until late September to get your hands on the new game.

This move could benefit Ultimate Team progression, early tournaments, and seasonal events syncing with real-life football. It also means more time with the game before FIFA 2K’s potential rival release. EA clearly wants to control the calendar and hype cycle — and bringing FC 26 out early is a strategic power play that could reshape how yearly releases work in the future.

8. Jude Bellingham Confirmed as Cover Star

While speculation surrounded names like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, EA has reportedly locked in Jude Bellingham as the official FC 26 cover star. This comes after Bellingham signed a long-term partnership deal with EA Sports, ensuring his presence across multiple titles. His breakout seasons at Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid have made him one of football's biggest names — and now, the face of the franchise.

The decision reflects EA’s strategy to align with young, marketable, and universally respected players. Jude isn’t just a great player — he represents a new generation of stars with global appeal. Whether it's his box-to-box style, leadership, or magnetic personality, Bellingham is the perfect emblem for a game that's reinventing itself from top to bottom.

9. No World Cup Mode – EA Loses Tournament Rights

In a move that might upset international football fans, FC 26 will reportedly not include a World Cup mode. After EA and FIFA ended their partnership, the rights to the 2026 World Cup went with FIFA, which means only FIFA 2K26 (developed by Take-Two) will feature the tournament. While FC 26 might still offer international matches, there likely won’t be an official tournament with licensed branding, stadiums, or scenarios.

This is a major shift, considering how integral World Cup content was to FIFA 18 and FIFA 22. Losing this mode removes a chunk of authenticity and narrative that fans look forward to every four years. That said, EA is focusing on building a broader football universe with street modes, icons, and gameplay upgrades — possibly signaling a new direction for the series beyond the traditional tournament structure.

10. Crossplay & Moments Removed – Two Modes Axed

And finally, a double-edged surprise: two major features are being removed in FC 26 — Crossplay and Moments mode. That’s right, crossplay is reportedly not returning, which is a shocking step back considering how it unified player pools across platforms. It’s unclear whether this is a temporary removal due to bugs or a complete rollback.

In addition, EA is apparently scrapping Moments Mode, the short-form challenge feature introduced in FC 23. While some players enjoyed the bite-sized tasks for earning rewards, others found it redundant and boring. By axing these two features, EA is signaling a desire to streamline the game and refocus development energy into modes that fans are actually playing consistently — a decision that could lead to better quality elsewhere.

Conclusion

If these FC 26 leaks turn out to be accurate, we're in for one of the boldest football games EA has ever created. Between open world gameplay, ICONs galore, AI-powered Career Mode, and massive Hero additions, this could be a franchise-defining release. Keep your eye on that late May trailer drop — it could confirm everything we've just covered.

Be sure to bookmark this page and check back soon as more FC 26 news rolls in. The hype is real and FC 26 might just deliver.

We will share more updates on FC 25 in separate articles. If you found this information helpful or would like to learn more, please be sure to explore the other articles on our site.

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