How an Early EA Sports FC 26 Release Could Disrupt the Real-World Football Tie-In

EA Sports FC games have always shared a tight connection with real-world football—updating squads based on FC 26 Coins live transfer activity, mirroring league formats, and often launching just as the season is kicking into gear. However, a new leak is hinting that EA Sports FC 26 could arrive much earlier than usual, possibly breaking that rhythm for the first time in decades.

According to reliable community insider AhcanFUT, EA is reportedly targeting an August 23 release for the Ultimate Edition of EA FC 26. That’s a huge shift from the franchise’s traditional late September or early October schedule. If true, this earlier launch could have a ripple effect across everything from transfer window accuracy to launch-day player ratings, and even the way seasonal updates are timed throughout the year.
A Clash with the Transfer Window

One of the biggest talking points around this rumored release date is its timing in relation to the summer transfer window, which closes on September 1. An August 23 launch would come more than a week before clubs across Europe have finalized their squads.

In past FIFA/FC games, fans could expect most major transfers to be completed by launch, giving players relatively accurate team rosters from day one. If EA FC 26 drops early, players like Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, or other big-name stars might still be in limbo—or worse, still at the wrong club when players first boot up the game.

This might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but for fans who value realism, it could be a frustrating oversight. EA typically updates rosters after the transfer window closes, but starting a new season with incomplete squads could sour the initial experience for EA FC 26 Coins hardcore fans.