EA Sports FC 26 could make the leap to an open-world mode: official testing begins

Electronic Arts begins the first closed tests of its new project, which promises to revolutionize the future of the soccer simulator.

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Following the definitive separation between Electronic Arts and FIFA, the American studio seems determined to reinvent its star franchise. According to the company itself, internal testing of the highly anticipated “Open World” mode has already begun, a new experience that could mark a before and after in EA Sports FC 26 or in future installments of the saga.

The testing program, which is part of the EA Playtesting Program, will take place at the end of November and will be initially limited to users from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Participants will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that will prevent them from revealing information about the content, suggesting that the project is still in its early stages.

A new approach inspired by connected worlds

Although it won’t replace Ultimate Team or Career Mode, this new mode is conceived as a shared space with freedom of movement, similar to “The City” in NBA 2K. In it, players will be able to explore urban environments, participate in challenges, training sessions, or informal matches, and access social activities and online events. Everything points to EA seeking to combine individual progression with a living and dynamic environment, something never seen in their soccer simulator.

From EA, they have assured that the development team is “totally committed to offering the best possible experience in FC 26“, and that upcoming updates will continue to refine gameplay and existing modes, starting with the November update, which will include general corrections and improvements.

If the Open World mode tests are successful, EA Sports FC could become the most ambitious soccer experience to date, combining simulation, exploration, and community in a single connected universe.