Open world game mode ‘FC The Grounds’ is coming in next EA FC title

Jack Stewart, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 30/01/2026

The follow-up to EA Sports FC 26 looks set to have an open world gamemode with created pros roaming around.

Rumours have circulating online about EA FC 27 having an answer to WWE 2K25’s ‘the Island’ and NBA 2K’s Neighbourhood.’

Now, it’s looking increasingly likely after EA Sports trademarked ‘FC The Grounds’, the apparent name of the new gamemode.

EA Sports has experimented with different game modes in its football franchise before.

The Journey was a single-player campaign mode that put players in control of Alex Hunter’s career.

That was when it was still called FIFA. In 2026, FIFA has partnered with Netflix for a different football game.

Now, the Grounds in EA FC would be a multiplayer-focused online playground that links with various other modes.

Think of how in Fortnite, players can run around and explore different areas and try different game modes.

The idea for this is similar. The Grounds would see online lobbies of players roaming around communal areas with their created pro.

From there, the pro could level up in mini-games or navigate their way into separate game modes.

This should mean that, unlike in EA FC 26, progress and appearance for one created pro will track through multiple modes like Career and Pro Clubs.

According to reports, the mode will feature online districts modelled on some of the biggest footballing nations for players to explore.

So far, France, Argentina, and the UK have been reported as nations that have inspired areas of the mode.

It has also been reported the game mode will feature a game pass, as expected, with paid challenges and cosmetics to unlock.

Reported minigames in EA FC’s first open-world game mode

Allegedly, a lot of people have already playtested this mode, though the social media reviews aren’t particularly glowing.

Through this early access, the Football Gaming Zone website has reported that these game modes will all be playable in FC The Grounds:

• Kickabouts: FC The Grounds take on Volta mode, with FIFA-Street style matches in small, enclosed arenas.
• Rush: EA FC’s 5v5 Rush mode will apparently be integrated into The Grounds in the style of pick-up and play 5-a-sides.
• Balloon Ball: A football version of dodgeball/Mario Kart’s Ballon Battles. Players try to avoid the balloons and can shoot footballs at balloons to knock them into opponents and eliminate them.
• Closest To The Pin: A bit like bowls, players pass the football into an area to try and get nearest to the centre.
• Draw The Line: A cooperative team mode where players are challenged to draw shapes by passing the ball to each other while avoiding obstacles.
• Foot Tennis: What it says on the tin, compete solo or in doubles by playing tennis with a football.

Jack Stewart, Senior Editor

In my seven years of esports writing, I've introduced esports coverage to newspapers, interviewed some of the biggest names in the industry, and driven viewers mad with the puns in my YouTube scripts. I'm most proud of the latter.

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