Every year, the release of EA Sports FC marks the unofficial start of a new football season for millions of gamers around the world. Whether you’re planning to build your first Ultimate Team, jump into Career Mode or simply want the latest squads and gameplay improvements, EA FC 27 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sports games of the year.

With a confirmed cover star, pre-orders soon going live and fresh details emerging about release dates, early access and new features, excitement is beginning to build ahead of its launch.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about EA FC 27, including its release date, where to get it from, how much it costs, and the biggest changes expected in this year’s installment.

EA Sports FC 27 Release Date

EA Sports

While the official release date for EA FC 27 is yet to be confirmed, the most likely release period will be at the end of September. Given that last year’s game was released on Friday 26th September, we can expect that the game’s developers, EA, will stick to their usual habit of releasing their latest installment on the last Friday of September. This means that fans of the franchise will likely have to wait until Friday 25th September to get their hands on it.

Early Access is usually granted to those who pre-order the game and this allows gamers to play the game seven days earlier than the worldwide release date.

Previous EA Sports FC Title Release Dates

EA Sports FC 27 Cover Star

One of the most talked about features of the game ahead if its release is which football superstar will claim their spot as the face of the new game, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo featuring on the cover of previous editions.

A post on EA Sports FC’s official X page on July 21, 2026 revealed which player would have the honour of heading up this year’s installment. This year, Real Madrid and French national team forward, Kylian Mbappé, will return as the poster boy of the franchise, with the former PSG man having previously featuring on the cover of the final three games included in EA’s agreement with FIFA, helping to boost the sales of FIFA 21, FIFA 22 and FIFA 23.

Mbappe will be the star of the game’s Ultimate Edition Cover.

EA Sports FC 27 Trailer

The launch trailer for EA Sports FC 27 is scheduled to be released at 4:57pm BST (11:57am ET) July 23, 2026. You can watch it above when it drops or on the official EA Sports YouTube channel.

EA Sports FC 27 Career Mode

EA Sports

For those who enjoy the experience of rising through the ranks at their childhood club, this year’s player career mode is rumored to include some aspects of FIFA 17’s popular ‘The Journey’ campaign, with a greater blend of on-pitch gameplay with off-field decisions, media interaction and storytelling.

The manager career mode is also expected to undergo extensive remodeling, starting with the introduction of dynamic potential. Previously, AI club players would regularly reach their potential ceiling, a feature that would become one of the most complained-about in the community. Instead, dynamic potential is tasked with more closely linking a player’s on-field performance to the maximum rating they can achieve.

Similarly, the transfer market will receive an overhaul, with buy-back clauses and more flexible negotiating allowing for a more realistic playing experience. AI for opposing clubs is also expected to receive an overhaul, providing more logical and intelligent squad building, and preventing previous puzzling in-game transfers that saw the likes of Neymar move to Hudderfield Town for £120m.

EA Sports FC 27 Ratings

EA Sports

One of the most speculated areas ahead of any EA FC release is about which players will be the highest-rated, and therefore most sought-after, cards in the game. Typically, EA announce the new player ratings a couple of weeks before the game launches, so the first or second week of September looks like the most likely announcement period.

Whilst it is expected that last year’s joint-highest rated player, Mohamed Salah, will lose his spot at the top, cover star Kylian Mbappé will likely retain his 91-rated card. The likes of Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé are touted to also be in with a chance of getting a top rating, whilst Harry Kane’s stellar showing for Bayern Munich this season will likely bump up his rating, as will Rodri’s inspirational display for Spain at the World Cup.

Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí have consistently been given the highest-rated female cards after their first introduction with EA FC 24. The former Barcelona teammates will likely remain as two of the best female cards, whilst Arsenal’s Alessia Russo and Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw are also expected to challenge for the title as the highest-rated player.

Where to Buy EA Sports FC 27

Fans are expected to be able to pre-order the game from July 23, following the game-launch trailer reveal.

The easiest place to purchase the game will be through platform-specific game stores, including the PlayStation Store, the Xbox Store and Steam, whilst also being available on the EA store. Physical copies and redeemable code are likely to be on sale in most major retailers, like Asda, Sainburys and Tesco.

The standard edition is expected to be priced around £60, whilst the ultimate edition, which provides additional perks such as early access, in-game currency and exclusive players, is expected to launch closer to £90-£100. There is also rumored to be an even more premium version, which could include multiple season passes and additional FC points, which would likely cost around £120

Chelsea are exploring adding a new central midfielder after seeing a £64million bid for Alex Scott rejected. Bournemouth view Scott as not for sale, even though the English midfielder has refused to date to sign a new contract.

Bournemouth have held ongoing talks with the 22-year-old since March, and GIVEMESPORT understands Scott recently communicated his desire not to extend after returning from training with England, even though he wasn’t included in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City have all made approaches to Bournemouth and have also been told the club has no desire to sell.

Bournemouth calm about Alex Scott transfer interest

Bournemouth are prepared to keep Scott for at least another season, even knowing by summer 2027 he will only have one year left on his current deal. The player has remained focused on the new season ahead with Bournemouth sources noting his professionalism despite growing speculation.

Bournemouth sources insist there is no market price for Scott, and interested clubs have not been quoted a figure. GMS understands Bournemouth’s internal valuation is around £80million, but there is no guarantee even that number would prompt a sale. Chelsea’s £64million offer was turned away quickly and without a counter.

Bournemouth sources argue the volume of interest in Scott, and the inflated market, leave them in a strong position should the club decide to engage this summer, but there is no indication the Cherries will change their stance right now.

Bournemouth still haven’t ruled out Scott signing a new contract as the situation could be revisited later in the summer or year. The club are prepared to offer a 2027 release clause in any extension, which is the tact they used with Antoine Semenyo ahead of his January move to Manchester City.

Any new midfielder at Chelsea does not guarantee Enzo Fernandez will leave, but the Blues will consider offers of £120million. Fernandez has made no secret of his desire to join Real Madrid, yet Los Blancos issued a public statement saying they have no intent to bid.

Chelsea are in talks over a number of other transfers

Elsewhere, Chelsea remain in formal talks for Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix. Sources describe those discussions as positive. And free agent John Stones, who impressed at the World Cup with England, has been added to Chelsea’s list of options.

And Alejandro Garnacho is closing in on a move to Aston Villa. Advanced talks are ongoing with a loan with a buy obligation being discussed.

Aston Villa also appreciate Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who is valued at £65million and played under Unai Emery at Villarreal.

Lisandro Martínez has penned a heartfelt message to the Argentina fans following his nation’s defeat in the World Cup final. But the emotional post has not been received well by football fans around the world.

Argentina progressed to the final for the second consecutive World Cup, but lost 1-0 to Spain courtesy of a Ferran Torres goal in extra time. Enzo Fernández was also sent off in extra time, preempting the violent scenes that erupted between the players after the final whistle.

Leandro Paredes grabbed headlines after he appeared to throw punches at Spain and Barcelona midfielder Gavi. The Argentina midfielder did not apologise for his actions in his own social media statement. However, it is Manchester United star Martínez who has ruffled the feathers of international football fans with his controversial post-tournament address.

What Did Martínez Say

REUTERS/Lee Smith

The 28-year-old’s post on X has come under fire from football fans around the world:

“With a heavy heart for not having been able to bring home the cup that we all deserved, but with pride bursting at the seams for this jersey, for my teammates, the coaching staff, the executives, the medical team, the cooks, the kit men, and every single person who was involved to make all of this work in the best possible way.

“And, above all, for you, who showered us with all your love, all your strength, that passion that so defines us, and the unity of a nation that I hope endures over time.

“I want to congratulate Spain on their well-deserved title.

“We defended our colors far beyond the pitch and shared unforgettable moments with the National Team, alongside our families and with the unwavering support of all Argentinians.

“It will always be an immense pride to represent you.

“Thank you all so much. Let’s take care of our country. I love you, Argentina!”

Fan Reaction

REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

One line in particular has irked the international football community: “Remember that ‘the fall of the great is the joy of the mediocre.’” Despite building a reputation for incredible, last-ditch comebacks throughout the World Cup, Argentina’s squad also courted controversy with their on-field conduct and excessive celebrations, most notably seen during the heated semi-final against England.

And following Martínez’s social media statement, fans have angrily shared their reactions online. “Imagine having people like this representing you,” wrote one user. “They lack all self-awareness and just cannot help themselves by being so unlikeable. The worst sore losers we’ve seen in football for decades,” wrote another.

One football fan saw the statement as the beginning of the end for Argentina’s current golden generation: “That’s the kind of quote empires throw around shortly before they fall.” And one fan saw the social media post as a loss of touch with reality:

Martínez was an integral part of Argentina’s World Cup squad, starting all but one of their eight games. He was rested for the final group match against Jordan. However, he only lasted 44 minutes in the final, having been substituted due to injury. Former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi replaced him.