EA Sports has released "The World's Game" update for EA Sports FC 26 and EA Sports FC Mobile, introducing a new 48-team international tournament mode just weeks before the actual World Cup kicks off. IGN published exclusive first-look details and screenshots.
The World's Game Update, released May 28, lets players lead a nation in the expanded tournament format starting June 4. While EA Sports no longer holds the official FIFA World Cup license, the update features 53 fully licensed and playable national teams — 41 of which are competing in the real tournament.
Licensed Nations and New Stadiums
The full list of licensed nations includes powerhouses like Brazil, England, France, Germany, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Holland, alongside less-expected inclusions like Indonesia, Cabo Verde, Haiti, and Uzbekistan. Two non-licensed teams feature authentic players (Egypt, Japan), while five generic squads round out the roster (Algeria, Curaçao, Iran, Iraq, Jordan).
"National team inclusion depends on our ability to secure licensing rights directly and comply with applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. sanctions." — EA Sports
New stadiums added in the update include Gillette Stadium (USA) and BMO Field (Canada), alongside a fictional venue called Central Maw, described as "a new stadium built to capture the atmosphere of top-tier international football."
Gameplay Details
The 48-team tournament mode features a group stage followed by a knockout bracket, mirroring the expanded format of the real 2026 World Cup. Players choose a nation and compete through the full tournament, with authentic anthems, kits, and presentation elements for fully licensed teams.
Community Reception
The update has been well-received by the EA Sports FC community on Reddit's r/EASportsFC, with many praising the depth of the international tournament mode despite the absence of the official FIFA branding. Some players noted the licensing gaps, particularly regarding Japan and Egypt having authentic players but no official team license, but overall sentiment has been positive given the update is free. On Steam, EA Sports FC 26 maintains a "Mostly Positive" recent review rating.
What's Next
The World's Game update is available now for EA Sports FC 26 on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, as well as EA Sports FC Mobile. The 48-team tournament mode runs from June 4 in conjunction with the real World Cup schedule. EA Sports has also confirmed FC 26 will remain available as a PlayStation Plus Monthly Game until June 16.