On July 23, 2026, Electronic Arts finally lifted the veil of secrecy on EA Sports FC 27—and believe me, the game promises to be much more than “another football simulator.” The developers released a teaser, but also rebooted their approach to the series, which is over three decades old. The focus is on The Grounds, an open-world social hub that will replace the familiar Volta. But the innovations do not end there. The release is scheduled for September 25, with owners of premium editions gaining access on September 18. Let us explore what exactly was shown in the trailer, what modes will be added, and why The Grounds is more than just a cosmetic update, but a true sign of life for the entire series.
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The Grounds Open World Mode in EA Sports FC 27
A Social Hub Similar to NBA 2K
If you have played NBA 2K, the concept of The Grounds will seem familiar. A set of matches set in an open-air district where football intertwines with city life. Players can roam freely across three locations—London, Paris, and Buenos Aires—to participate in 1-on-1 street matches, form clubs, visit kit shops, and even interact with real-life football stars. EA states outright: The Grounds is an attempt to create a “football universe” where street meets stadium. And judging by the first footage, they have succeeded. The architecture of each district is meticulously detailed, from graffiti in London alleys to Parisian cafes overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The developers have equipped the mode with a dynamic day/night cycle, as well as weather effects that influence gameplay—for example, rain slows down the ball on the pitch.
The Return of Alex Hunter and Mentors
The main plot point of The Grounds is the return of Alex Hunter, the fictional footballer we played as in previous years’ story modes. But now he is the main character and the face of the entire mode. Along with him, the game will feature real-life mentors—star footballers who will assign tasks and teach skills. The list includes Kylian Mbappé, Sam Kerr, and Paulo Dybala. Each mentor offers a unique development path: Mbappé emphasizes dribbling and speed, Kerr focuses on finishing, and Dybala on working the ball in tight spaces. This is a tribute to the culture of street football, where experienced players pass on their knowledge to newcomers. Incidentally, your character in The Grounds syncs with the Clubs mode—all progress across archetypes and playstyles is carried over, creating a unified ecosystem.
The Grounds Map in London Paris and Buenos Aires
Three Football Districts and Their Architecture
The developers chose these three cities deliberately—each symbolizes different football cultures. London represents classic English football, fierce competition, and old brick walls. Paris represents elegance, technique, and Parisian charm, with street art and modern buildings. Buenos Aires represents passion, Argentine spirit, and improvised arenas in working-class neighborhoods. The overall map of The Grounds, according to leaked data, covers approximately 2 square kilometers—it is not just an arena, but an entire district with squares, alleys, hidden courtyards, and even underground parking, perfect for an informal match. Players can travel freely between districts via train stations or the metro, and each district offers its own unique events and quests. For example, in London, you can find a miniature version of the legendary Wembley Stadium, while in Buenos Aires, you will find secret arenas where matches are played only at night.
Open World Activities and Gameplay
The Grounds is a legendary adventure. You can:
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Participate in 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3 matches against other players or AI.
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Visit shops selling skins, boots, balls, and accessories for your player.
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Complete mentor missions that unlock new skills and boost your character.
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Participate in weekly events, such as the “Night Run” through the streets of Paris with dribbling challenges.
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Chat with other players in the social zone, exchange items, or sit in cafes and discuss matches.
Important: All progress in The Grounds is carried over and affects your Clubs career—the modes are linked into a single progression. Accuracy in your moves and the right tactics in street matches directly impact your club’s reputation.
Platforms and System Requirements for The Grounds
This is perhaps the most important news for owners of previous-generation consoles. Yes, EA Sports FC 27 will be released on PS4 and Xbox One, but The Grounds, as well as the Clubs mode (in its updated version), will only be available on the current generation: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. The developers explained this by technical limitations—the open world and real-time synchronization require performance that older consoles lack. However, standard modes—career, Ultimate Team, tournaments—will remain on all platforms. It is also worth noting that the Switch 2 version will have some graphical limitations, but the full functionality of The Grounds will remain. If you plan to play the new game on PS4 or Xbox One, keep in mind that you will not be able to visit London, Paris, or Buenos Aires—those are a sort of special destination for the lucky owners of modern systems.
Gameplay Updates for Attack Defense and Corners
In addition to The Grounds, the developers have traditionally worked on the gameplay mechanics. The trailer featured footage of new dribbling animations, smoother changes of direction, and improved collision physics. Particular attention was paid to corner kicks—the system now allows for greater aiming flexibility and the use of tactical formations. Defense has become more intelligent: the AI adapts to the attacker’s style, and defensive players are better at reading passes and intercepting the ball. According to beta testers, the game feels faster and more dynamic than FC 26, without losing its simulation-like nature. A reduction in the number of “random” ricochets is also promised—ball bounces are now more predictable and depend on the angle of the shot and the player’s skill.
FUT Gallery Collectors Mode in Ultimate Team
Ultimate Team fans will also not be left without new additions. Instead of the usual objective chains, this season will feature the FUT Gallery—a museum of sorts for your club. You collect cards of players, managers, emblems, and stadiums, display them on virtual walls, and earn bonuses for completing collections. The more items you have in your Gallery, the higher its level, and with it, the rewards—like upgraded cards or extra coins—grow. These are not just cosmetics: the Gallery affects your club’s overall ranking and unlocks exclusive events. Essentially, EA has turned collecting into a separate mini-game mode, where precision and planning will help you outshine your FUT opponents.
Standard Ultimate and Ultimate Plus Editions in FC 27
As usual, the game will be released in several editions. The base Standard edition is the game itself without any additional bonuses. The Ultimate Edition includes early access, several FUT packs, an 85+ icon, and a player card of your choice. But the big news is the limited Ultimate Plus edition, which will only be available until August 31st. Its price—around 14,000 rubles (or 700 zlotys)—is truly steep, but the bonus package is impressive. Here is a table for clarity:
Prices may vary slightly depending on region and platform.
PS4 and Xbox One owners will receive a free upgrade to the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, but, as mentioned, The Grounds will not be available on older consoles. However, those who pre-order before August 31st will receive an additional 93+ Icon Card—a very generous bonus, considering such cards typically only appear mid-game.
Conclusion
EA Sports FC 27 launches on all platforms on September 25, 2026, but if you want to experience the full depth of the new The Grounds mode, choose PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or Nintendo Switch 2. High-end Early Access editions will launch on September 18th, while Ultimate Plus—with a substantial set of FUT bonuses—will only be available until the end of August. The developers clearly decided not to update team rosters, but to reimagine the series, adding a social component that will keep players engaged for years. Initial impressions suggest The Grounds is not just “another mode,” but a true gaming ecosystem. If EA continues on this path, by the end of 2026 we could have not just a simulator, but a full-fledged football MMO. In the meantime, get your consoles ready, pick your edition, and wait for September.
