The Holiday Update for EA Sports FC 26, version 1.3.0, delivers extensive refinements across gameplay systems, Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Clubs. Goalkeepers receive the most substantial overhaul, with reduced manual movement speed, refined reactions to first time shots, and stronger cross handling. The update also enhances the Be A Goalkeeper experience with improved pickup logic, better assistance, and streamlined save controls.
Ultimate Team introduces the ability to initiate Rush rematches following a forthcoming server rollout, and several UI and Evolution related inconsistencies have been resolved. Career Mode receives new visibility tools, improved menu flows, and refined progression displays, while Clubs mode benefits from fatigue adjustments, rating corrections, and interface improvements. Classic XI teams and holiday themed menus will be added through separate server updates shortly after launch.
Patch Notes
Ultimate Team
Updates
- Added Rush rematch functionality (enabled after server release)
Fixes
- Corrected incorrect expiration times in Training Camp Evolution previews
- Fixed Objective tracker errors involving Evolution Player Items
- Restored missing expiration timer in Favourite Objectives
- Fixed visual issue with displayed group rewards
- Corrected unintended application of Authentic settings in offline modes
- Fixed Transfer Market tile showing 0 Live Transfers
- Prevented newly added Player Items from being locked out of Evolutions
- Restored View Available Evolutions option to Concept Players
- Corrected radial menu Evolution status display
Gameplay
Goalkeepers
- Reduced manual movement speed and ground coverage in open play
- Removed Goalkeeper Rush to Center mechanic
- Improved reactions to first time shots
- Corrected cases where dives to the opposite side failed to save shots
- Competitive preset: faster transition to post catch actions
Be A Goalkeeper
- Reduced sidestep coverage
- Removed save cancellations caused by deflected shots
- Improved grab ball behavior in 1v1 and loose ball situations
- Enhanced auto pickup logic
- Added Super Cancel option for cross interception attempts
- Upward flick on Right Stick now requests a punch
- Increased positioning and catch consistency during crosses
- Auto save logic improved when a cross results in a shot
- Slightly increased auto save assistance range
- Fixed incorrect net interactions
- Streamlined height selection on Right Stick save inputs
Skill Moves
- Improved transition speed after Drag Back into a new move or dribble
Set Pieces
- Fixed intermittent player unresponsiveness
- Corrected CPU corner kick behavior
Rules
- Fixed offside calls on unintended players
- Improved penalty logic for goalkeeper foul situations
Attacking
- Improved movement for players attempting to avoid offside
Passing
- Slightly reduced headed pass accuracy
- Lowered cross trajectory height
Defending
- Fixed secondary contain indicator appearing incorrectly
Career Mode
Updates
- Added contract willingness field to Squad Hub
- Added Manager Live Hub tab for streamlined Live Start Point access
- Shortcut selections now remembered automatically
- Added mascot preview inside Create Your Club
- Player Career: archetype preview now displays current and required XP
- Added Recommended Archetypes during creation
Fixes
- Corrected incorrect goalkeeper camera angles
- Fixed club replacement logic in Create Your Club
Clubs
Fixes
- Corrected short term fatigue depletion
- Adjusted CAM match rating logic (live after server update)
- Fixed missing randomise button callout in My Pro editor
- Improved UI transitions
- Restored missing hairstyle previews
- Corrected incorrect Pro display on post match screens
General, Audio, and Visual
Updates
- Added 10 Classic XI teams to Kick Off (server release pending)
- Refreshed holiday themed main menu (server release pending)
- Added 8 new star heads (server release pending)
- Updated commentary, audio, images, badges, kits, balls, trophies, lighting, and more
Fixes
- Fixed PC controller recognition issues after reconnection
- Addressed stability issues
- Corrected placeholder text, incorrect UI, camera errors, and narration issues
EA Sports FC 26 launched on September 26, 2025, and is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Amazon Luna.
Have you noticed these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments!
