For years, EA fans have dreamed of a football game that goes beyond traditional matches—a world where players can explore, socialize, compete, and live out a football lifestyle. That dream is now closer than ever. Multiple leaks, insider reports, and a recent EA playtest strongly indicate that EA FC’s long-rumored Open-World Mode is real, active in testing, and shaping up to be one of the franchise’s biggest innovations.
Below is a full breakdown of what the community knows so far, how the Open-World Mode works, and when we might finally get our hands on it.
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What Is the EA FC Open-World Mode?
EA’s upcoming Open-World Mode is described as a massive social hub built around football culture—similar in spirit to NBA 2K’s The City. Instead of navigating menus, players will roam a shared world, meet others, drop into mini-games, and customize their football identity.
This mode has reportedly been a long-term project at EA Sports. Recent closed playtests focused almost entirely on this new feature, confirming that development is well underway.
Key Open-World Mode Features Revealed from Leaks
Although covered under NDA, footage and screenshots have surfaced across X, TikTok, and YouTube. Based on those leaks, here’s what the mode currently includes:
Players will be able to:
- walk freely through a shared map
- spectate live matches happening around the world
- chat, emote, and interact with others
- enter and exit mini-games without hard loading screens
- visit stores to buy cosmetics, outfits, animations, and gear
- customize and upgrade their in-game persona
This hub is expected to evolve over time and may feature multiple maps based on major football nations around the world.
Open-World Mode Expected Release
If the leaks are accurate: The open world mode may not launch as a full feature in FC 26. Some sources expect it in FC 27 instead.
Open World Game Modes
Several fun, creative, and non-traditional football experiences are reportedly included in early builds. The following modes have been consistently mentioned across reliable leak sources:
2v2 & 3v3 Kickabout
- Zero fouls
- No offsides
- Rebounds off walls
- Golden goal to break draws
A fast, street-style mode similar to FIFA Street.
Foot Tennis
Volley the ball over a net—first to 10 points wins. Longer rallies may reward bonus points.
Balloon Ball
Think dodgeball merged with football:
- three lives
- power-ups
- eliminate opponents by striking them with the ball
Closest to the Pin
A precision passing challenge where players aim to land the ball as close as possible to a target.
Draw the Line
A creative passing mode where players trace shapes (like squares or triangles) to score accuracy points.
Rush
A throwback to classic street football—no fouls, no offside, no goalkeeper.
These modes highlight EA’s shift toward a more playful, experimental take on football.
FAQ
When will EA FC Open World launch?
At the moment, EA hasn’t confirmed a release date, but current leaks suggest it could arrive with FC 27, or possibly FC 28.
Is the open world mode free for all players?
EA hasn’t officially clarified this yet, but if it follows the structure of other EA FC modes, the open-world hub will likely be accessible to all players, with optional cosmetics or upgrades offered through in-game purchases.
How does it compare to Volta in past FIFA titles?
While Volta focused on small-sided street matches, the new open-world mode goes much further. It introduces a large social hub, multiple mini-games, free roaming, spectating, character customization, and a far more connected community experience—more like NBA 2K’s The City than classic Volta.
Conclusion
The EA FC Open-World Mode could be the franchise's biggest shake-up in over a decade. From social hubs and mini-games to full player customization and real-time street matches, this mode aims to redefine what a football video game can be.
