How to get early access to FC 26 on September 18
EA Sports officially launches the FC 26 early access on September 19, but there’s a popular method that lets you start playing a full day early, on September 18 at 1:00 p.m. UK time. This trick has worked for more than a decade and is mainly used by Xbox and PC players. It’s all thanks to a simple New Zealand time zone glitch that continues to bypass official release restrictions.
If you’re on Xbox or PC, here’s how you can do it and gain a huge head start in Ultimate Team.
The New Zealand method to play FC 26 early on Xbox
The reason this method works is because New Zealand is 11 hours ahead of the UK. EA releases the game based on midnight New Zealand time. This means that when it’s midnight on September 19 in New Zealand, it’s 1:00 p.m. on September 18 in the UK. So by changing your Xbox region to New Zealand, your console believes it’s already launch day.
Here’s how to do it on Xbox:
- Go to System Settings
- Scroll to Language & Location
- Set your location to New Zealand
- Also set Language Region to New Zealand (just in case)
- Click Restart Now when prompted
Once restarted, your Xbox will operate as if you are located in New Zealand, unlocking the game when it hits midnight there.
To take advantage of this glitch, you must own the Ultimate Edition of FC 26. Standard edition users won’t be able to play early, regardless of their region.
PC players can also play early using EA app settings
This year, even PC users can benefit from this early access method. According to a verified EA community manager, FC 26 on PC will also release based on New Zealand time.
“The game will launch worldwide at 12:00 a.m. New Zealand time on September 19, which is actually the 18th September for most PC users.” – EA Community Manager
This means PC players using the EA Play Pro app can play FC 26 at the same time as Xbox users, on September 18 at 1:00 p.m. UK time.
Make sure your EA app is set to New Zealand time, and that you’ve preloaded the game. You’ll then be able to launch FC 26 early and start building your FUT 26 squad before the crowd.
Can you play FC 26 early on PS5?
PS5 users may find this method inconsistent. Changing the location settings on PlayStation does not always unlock the game early. Unlike Xbox and PC, PlayStation seems to tie the release time more strictly to regional storefronts and local servers.
While some PS5 users may attempt to use the New Zealand method, it’s not guaranteed to work. Historically, PlayStation consoles haven’t supported this glitch reliably.
So if you want to guarantee early access, your best options are:
- Xbox with Ultimate Edition
- PC with EA Play Pro or Ultimate Edition
Why playing FC 26 early gives a competitive edge
Starting FC 26 even one day early allows you to:
- Complete early SBCs before prices rise
- Snag bargains on the transfer market
- Open packs and trade without competition
- Qualify for FUT Champs faster
- Grind XP in Season 1 objectives
The early hours of FC 26 are crucial for establishing your squad and building a strong coin base. If you’re trying to go competitive this year or just want to be ahead of your friends, using this New Zealand glitch is one of the best ways to do it.
FAQs about FC 26 early access and the New Zealand method
How early can you play FC 26 using this method?
You can start playing at 1:00 p.m. UK time on September 18.
Does this glitch work on PlayStation?
It might, but it’s not reliable. Xbox and PC are your best bets.
Is the New Zealand method allowed by EA?
It’s not officially supported, but it has never led to bans or issues in past years.
Do I need the Ultimate Edition to use the glitch?
Yes, the early access is only available with the Ultimate Edition of FC 26.
