EA SPORTS has confirmed that FC 26 version 1.0.3 will be released soon on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with Nintendo Switch versions following afterwards. If you are wondering what this patch changes, here is everything you need to know.

*The patch is now live!

Gameplay changes

The main gameplay focus in v1.0.3 is on kickoff behavior, which has been a hot topic since launch.

  • Improved defensive positioning at kickoffs: Defending teams will now stay more compact for a short time after kickoff to reduce easy breakthroughs.
  • Formation adjustments before kickoff: Player positions across all formations have been updated for more consistency.
  • Reduced accuracy of acrobatic shots: Acrobatics immediately after a Rainbow Flick will now be less accurate.
  • Trivela shot improvements: Players should no longer force unnecessary outside-foot shots when a lace shot would be better.

EA stressed that this update does not make general defending changes beyond kickoff situations, but community feedback is being monitored.

Guide: Claim your secret free FC 26 Icon pack today
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Guide: Claim your secret free FC 26 Icon pack today

Ultimate Team updates

Several important fixes have been added to Ultimate Team:

  • Incorrect bios could sometimes appear on Gold Player Items.
  • The Season 1 Premium Pass for Ultimate Edition players no longer requires a restart to claim.

Career Mode fixes

A major bug that frustrated Career Mode players has been resolved:

  • After signing a new contract, players could wrongly act unhappy, which sometimes led to a transfer request despite a renewal.

PC improvements

PC players will notice a number of stability and performance updates, including:

  • Controllers not responding properly during gameplay in some cases.
  • Resolution and display settings occasionally resetting after closing the game.
  • Optimized cloth physics to reduce performance impact.
  • Improved performance during corner kicks.

Other fixes

  • Improved overall stability in different modes.
  • Fixed Showcase invites not placing players directly into the match lobby.

How to download the update

The update will download and install automatically on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC once it goes live. Nintendo Switch players can expect the patch shortly afterwards.

Follow EA on Twitter

This patch is mainly a stability and bug-fix update with some targeted gameplay adjustments at kickoff. EA has made it clear that broader defending changes are still being reviewed based on community feedback, so more tweaks may arrive in later updates.

For the latest details, players can follow @EASFCDIRECT on X or check the official EA SPORTS FC Tracker.

FAQs about FC 26 v1.0.3 Update

What is included in the FC 26 v1.0.3 update?

The update improves kickoff defending, fixes Career Mode contract bugs, resolves FUT item issues, and adds PC optimizations.

Does the FC 26 v1.0.3 update change defending?

Yes, but only at kickoffs. Defending teams now line up more compactly. No general defending changes were included.

When will the FC 26 v1.0.3 update be available?

It is rolling out soon on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Nintendo Switch versions will follow afterwards.

Are there any Ultimate Team fixes in this patch?

Yes, incorrect Gold player bios have been fixed and Ultimate Edition players no longer need to restart the game to claim the Season 1 Premium Pass.

What PC-specific issues were addressed in v1.0.3?

The update fixed controller response issues, resolution resets, optimized cloth physics, and improved performance during corner kicks.