EA Sports has cleared up the confusion around the launch timings for FC 26, following a correction to their original Pitch Notes announcement. Fans now have the official roadmap for when they can get into the game across all platforms and editions.
Web and Companion App kick things off
The countdown begins with the Web App, which opens on September 17. This gives players the chance to start managing their Ultimate Team squads, open starter packs, and get trading underway before the game fully launches. The Companion App refresh follows on September 18, giving mobile players access to the same early squad-building features.
Early Access and EA Play Trial
The main action starts with Early Access. Ultimate Edition players on console can begin playing from midnight local time on September 19, while PC players with the Ultimate Edition kick off at midnight BST on September 19. EA confirmed this timing adjustment today to make sure players know exactly when to expect the unlock.
For those with an EA Play subscription, a 10-hour trial of FC 26 becomes available starting 1 PM BST on September 18, letting you jump in the day before full Early Access unlocks. EA Play Pro members on PC get unlimited Early Access starting at the same time.
Standard Edition worldwide release
Finally, the Standard Edition worldwide launch will open its doors on September 26 at midnight local time for console players, while PC players can access the game a bit earlier on September 25 at 1 PM BST.
Key FC 26 launch dates
- September 17: Web App launch
- September 18: Companion App refresh + EA Play 10-hour trial from 1 PM BST
- September 19: Ultimate Edition Early Access (midnight local time on console, midnight BST on PC)
- September 25: Standard Edition launch on PC (1 PM BST)
- September 26: Standard Edition launch on console (midnight local time)
EA Play and Early Access in different time zones
To help fans understand exactly when they can play, here are the main unlock times converted from 1 PM BST / midnight BST into other time zones:
EA Play Trial (September 18 at 1 PM BST)
- 5 AM PT (Los Angeles) 🇺🇸
- 8 AM ET (New York) 🇺🇸
- 2 PM CEST (Berlin, Paris, Copenhagen) 🇪🇺
- 9 PM JST (Tokyo) 🇯🇵
- 10 PM AEST (Sydney) 🇦🇺
Ultimate Edition Early Access on PC (September 19 at midnight BST)
- 4 PM PT (Los Angeles, September 18) 🇺🇸
- 7 PM ET (New York, September 18) 🇺🇸
- 1 AM CEST (Berlin, Paris, Copenhagen, September 19) 🇪🇺
- 8 AM JST (Tokyo, September 19) 🇯🇵
- 9 AM AEST (Sydney, September 19) 🇦🇺
Console players can simply start at midnight local time on September 19, no matter where they live.
