FC 26 BETA

FC 26 Beta provides an opportunity for a select group of players to test the game before it is officially released to the wider public.
FC 26 Beta

FC 26 Closed Beta


Every year, EA offers players a chance to test the upcoming game before its official release, allowing them to provide feedback on any potential issues and suggest improvements. Although the Beta isn’t a complete version and lacks some new features and game modes, it still gives players a clear glimpse into what the final product will look like.

Players selected for the FC 26 Beta are invited to access modes such as Kick-Off, Learn to Play, Online Seasons, Co-Op Seasons, Online Friendlies, Tournmaents, and at least one of the following: Club (previously Pro Clubs), Manager/Player Mode, or Ultimate Team. Initially, they are restricted to the modes assigned to them, but by August 18, all game modes become available, allowing full exploration.

Participants are required to offer feedback through a dedicated forum accessible only to invited players. This helps EA Sports refine the game, fix bugs, and improve the overall experience before the launch. For example, in Ultimate Team, players are given credits to purchase packs, helping to test the in-game economy and mechanics.

Ultimate Team Glitch


To Unlock Ultimate Team in the Beta, follow these steps:

Requirements
  • FC 26 Beta account
  • A friend who does have FUT unlocked
  • Both of you must be on the same platform (old gen or current gen)
Tutorial
  1. Both launch the FC 26 Beta
    Your friend enters Ultimate Team
    You stay on the main menu (no modes).
  2. Friend invites you to a FUT Rush match
    Invite must be sent from within the FUT menus.
  3. Accept the invite
    You’ll be taken into the lobby directly.
    Onde in the lobby, you can go back to the main Ultimate Team screen.
Disclaimer – This doesn’t permanently unlock FUT. You need to repeat the process every session.

Beta Glitch


To Unlock All Modes in the Beta, follow these steps
(EA have patched this glitch on August 5, 6pm):

PlayStation
  1. Enter the Beta normally.
  2. Once in the Beta main menu, press the PlayStation button to go to the console menu.
  3. Go to [Settings] > [Network] > [Settings] > [Set Up Internet Connection].
  4. Disable your internet connection (uncheck ‘Connect to the Internet’).
  5. Wait a few seconds, then re-enable your internet connection (check ‘Connect to the Internet’ again).
  6. Return to the Beta’s main screen.
  7. All game modes should now be available!
Xbox
  1. Enter the Beta normally.
  2. Once in the Beta main menu, press the Xbox button to open the guide.
  3. Go to [Settings] > [Network] > [Network Settings].
  4. Select ‘Go offline’ to disconnect your console from the internet.
  5. Wait a few seconds, then select ‘Go online’ to reconnect.
  6. Return to the main screen in the Beta.
  7. All game modes should now be available!
PC
  1. Start the Beta normally
  2. While you are in the main screen, disconnect your PC from the internet
    • If using Ethernet, unplug the network cable.
    • If using Wi-Fi, turn off Wi-Fi or disable the connection.
  3. Wait until you see the message ‘Disconnected’ or a connection error on the main Beta screen.
  4. Reconnect your PC to the internet (plug the cable back in or turn Wi-Fi back on).
  5. Return to the main menu of the Beta.
  6. All game modes should now be available!

FC 26 Beta Release Date


All release times are indicated in the UK time zone.

Release-End Date
FC 26 06/08/2025 18:00 Wed
26/08/2025 18:00 Tue
FC 25 06/08/2024 18:00 Tue
27/08/2024 18:00 Tue
FC 24 10/08/2023 18:00 Thu
31/08/2023 18:00 Thu
FIFA 23 11/08/2022 18:00 Thu
02/09/2022 23:59 Thu
FIFA 22 12/08/2021 18:00 Thu
02/09/2021 18:00 Thu
FIFA 21 14/08/2020 19:00 Fri
01/09/2020 19:00 Tue
FIFA 20 09/08/2019 17:00 Fri
21/08/2019 18:00 Wed
FIFA 19 10/08/2018 17:00 Fri
22/08/2018 18:00 Wed
FIFA 18 10/08/2017 17:00 Thu
20/08/2017 18:00 Sun
FIFA 17 18/08/2016 17:00 Thu
28/08/2016 18:00 Sun
FIFA 16 13/08/2015 17:00 Thu
23/08/2015 18:00 Sun
FIFA 15 15/08/2014 17:00 Fri
25/08/2014 18:00 Mon
FIFA 14 02/09/2013 17:00 Mon
12/09/2013 18:00 Thu
FIFA 13 12/09/2012 18:00 Wed
19/09/2012 18:00 Wed

How to be Selected


To improve your chances of being invited, follow these steps:

Update Your Contact Preferences
  1. Go to the EA website;
  2. Click in the top-right avatar icon and login into your account;
  3. Click again in your avatar and select [Account Settings];
  4. Go to [Communication Preferences] and check the box ‘Email me about EA’s products, news, events, and promotions’;
  5. Confirm that ‘FC 25’ and ‘EA SPORTS FC Ultimate Team’ are both checked in the [Favorite Games] box (if you can’t see them, click on [Add More]);
  6. Check your [Preferred Platforms];
  7. Click on the [Save] button at the bottom of the page.
EA Preferences

FC 26 Beta Code


Selected FC players, who opted in to get EA emails, will get an email at their inbox that’s linked to their EA account. Because of limited space, not everyone will get an email which includes a FC 26 Beta code.

In order to be eligible, there are a few basic requirements you have to meet:

  • You must be, at least, 18 years old;
  • You must have a PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S, or Nintendo Switch console;
  • You must have played FC 25 regularly;
  • You’ll need to have an Internet connection;
  • You’ll need to accept the User and the FC 25 Beta Agreement;
  • You’ll need an online connection and an active subscription to Xbox Live Gold, PlayStation Plus, or Nintendo Switch Online to play.
If you meet these criteria, you have a good chance of being invited to the Beta. Although the selection is generally random, there are ways to improve your odds. Players from the UK or North America tend to have better chances. Additionally, updating your contact preferences and actively participating in the game tester program, as previously mentioned, can further increase your likelihood of selection.

Beta Invitation Date


All release times are indicated in the UK time zone.

Batches
FC 26 04/08/2025 23:30 Mon
FC 25 06/08/2024 14:30 Tue
FC 24 09/08/2023 18:00 Wed
21/08/2023 18:00 Mon
FIFA 23 10/08/2022 18:00 Wed
24/08/2022 18:00 Wed
FIFA 22 11/08/2021 18:00 Wed
25/08/2021 18:00 Wed
FIFA 21 12/08/2020 18:00 Wed
26/08/2020 18:00 Wed
FIFA 20 08/08/2019 18:00 Thu
FIFA 19 08/08/2018 18:00 Wed
FIFA 18 09/08/2017 18:00 Wed
FIFA 17 02/08/2016 18:00 Tue
FIFA 16 27/07/2015 18:00 Mon
FIFA 15 11/08/2014 18:00 Mon
FIFA 14 26/08/2013 18:00 Mon
FIFA 13 12/09/2012 18:00 Wed
Release dates for FC 26 are estimated
Frequently Asked Questions
Video game developers make games in a series of distinct stages, often called something like alpha, beta, and release. You might also see terms like “limited regional launches” and “playtests” depending on the game.

In the beta stage of game development, the game is functional and playable with most of the content, features, and game modes. The beta version might include one or two playable characters, a demo mission, and some online multiplayer experiences.

Developers use betas to collect player feedback, fix bugs, and improve connectivity before a game is officially released. There are two types of beta tests.

  • Closed Betas
     restricted beta test you have to be selected to join.
  • Open Betas
     a beta test anyone can join.
It goes out on August 6 and lasts for around three weeks. Nintendo Switch 2 players will start on August 8, 2025.
You need to be invited and download the game.
If you’re selected to take part in a closed beta, you’ll get an email with a beta code. 

A beta code is a string of letters and numbers that acts as your key to accessing most closed beta tests. Learn more about redeeming your beta code for your chosen platform.
You can only play the game modes that are unlocked to you. Still, even if you haven’t been selected to test UT, you will have a chance to try it in the last week when all game modes are released for everyone (from August 18).
If you’re invited to the Beta, you are most likely assigned to game modes that align with the ones you play the most. However, this isn’t guaranteed, as some players may receive access to modes they don’t typically engage with.
If the only thing you see when entering the Beta is the ‘News’ tab, you’re not alone. This issue affects thousands of players and unfortunately has no known fix. For some, the problem resolves by receiving an invite from another Beta tester or by resetting internet settings. However, most players are unable to access the Beta experience.
It’s only available in English. That’s one of the reasons why only players from countries in which English is the native language are invited more often.
The file you have to download is 58 Gb, no matter the game modes for which you have been selected.
No. Generally speaking, the players and ratings used in the FC 25 Closed Beta are the ones from FC 25. Even if you find differences, it doesn’t mean that those ratings will be used on the final game release.
No progress made on the FC 26 Beta carries over to the final game. As soon as the final version is released, everything is reset.
For players, the Beta is their first hands-on with the upcoming title, but for EA, its significance extends far beyond early gameplay access. FC 26 represents a complex assembly of numerous game modes, some developed over many years. Individual teams manage different parts of the game, deciding what will make it into the final product based on various factors like deadlines and overall quality. This sometimes means that certain teams aren’t solely focused on the next release.

To ensure the game runs smoothly, a thorough testing process is vital. EA generally recruits volunteers for initial playtesting, gathering feedback to fine-tune the game. After addressing this input, they release the Alpha version. The full game is typically launched by the end of September, with a follow-up update to fix issues that may have been discovered post-production. In the midst of these stages, the Beta phase allows further refinement before the official release.
To receive a code, you need to have been selected. Pay attention to your mailbox to see if you were invited. Only selected players can play the Beta.
Only players who were invited will be able to play the FC26 Beta. EA will send two batches of codes: the first on the second week of August, right before the Beta release date, and the other one two weeks later. Usually, it is available to preload for beta testers 24 hours before the opening date.
Follow these simple steps:

Update Your Contact Preferences
This will inform EA that you are available to receive emails from them and eventually the FC 26 Beta invitation

  1. Go to the EA website;
  2. Click in the top-right avatar icon and login into your account;
  3. Click in the avatar again and select [Account Settings];
  4. Go to [Communication Preferences] and turn On ‘Email me about EA’s products, news, events, and promotions’;
  5. Confirm that ‘FC 25’ and ‘EA SPORTS FC Ultimate Team’ are both checked on the [Favorite Games] box (if you can’t see them, click in [Add More]);
  6. Check your [Preferred Platforms];
  7. Click on the [Save] button at the bottom of the page.
The Frequency dropdown menu is used to set the frequency of emails you’d like to receive from us.

Under Favorite Games, you can choose the games you want to hear about, then select [Save] to confirm your choices. That way you’ll only get beta information about the games you want to play.

You can also set your Preferred Platforms and then select [Save] to confirm your choices. Make sure to choose the platforms you play on. If you choose the wrong platform, you might get a beta code for a platform you don’t play on, meaning you won’t be able to join the beta test.
There isn’t much more you can do to improve your chances of getting selected for the FC Beta. Living near EA offices, playing thousands of FC 25 matches, or even being a professional player won’t increase your odds. Game advisors are unable to grant or send invites if you didn’t already receive one.

While updating your contact preferences may help slightly, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll be invited. Keep in mind that the selection process is primarily random.
Before anything else you need to be invited. The email sent to you includes a unique Beta code that you will use to download the game.

PlayStation
  1. Select the PlayStation Store icon from the home screen;
  2. Select [More] and then [Redeem Code];
  3. Select [Account Settings];
  4. Enter the 12-character code and start the download.
Xbox
  1. Go to [Games] under [Store];
  2. Select [More] and then [Redeem Code];
  3. Select [Use a Code] and sign in if prompted;
  4. Enter the 25-character code and start the download.
Nintendo Switch
  1. Go to ec.nintendo.com/redeem in a web browser;
  2. Sign in with your Nintendo Account;
  3. Enter your 16-character download code and click [Next];
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
PC (EA app)
  1. Open the EA app and sign in to your EA Account;
  2. Click the [Menu] icon (≡) in the top left corner;
  3. Select [Redeem Code];
  4. Enter your product code and click [Next] to confirm.
You must receive a direct invitation to participate in the FC 26 Beta. These invitations are not available for purchase, transfer, or exchange between players. Each Beta code is generated specifically for a player and is tied to their Origin account. If you encounter offers to buy Beta invitations, be cautious, as these are not legitimate. All Beta invitations are non-transferable and cannot be used with other accounts or players.
Keep a close watch on the email associated with your EA account to see if you’ve received an invitation. Ensure you check all folders, including spam. If your email has changed, update your account details to receive notifications.

EA sends all Beta-related emails from [email protected], so it’s wise to mark this as a safe sender. Additionally, be sure to check your spam, junk, or social folders for any communication from [email protected]. Always be cautious with messages from unknown senders and never share your login details with anyone.
When players accept the invitation to the FC 26 Beta, they must comply with the terms of the closed beta agreement. This agreement includes a confidentiality clause that prohibits participants from sharing any information about the game outside the designated forum created specifically for feedback. Additionally, the rules strictly forbid live streaming, capturing, or sharing any images or videos of the closed beta gameplay. Violating these rules can result in penalties or being removed from the beta.
If you violate the confidentiality terms of the beta, you’ll lose access not only to the current beta but also to any future ones. More severe cases of breach may result in stricter actions, such as copyright claims or permanent bans from participating in the game’s services. It’s crucial to adhere to the rules to maintain access and avoid potential penalties.
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