The trial, available immediately to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers, runs for ten hours and spans all major Xbox hardware as well as Windows PCs, according to Electronic Arts.
EA Play members who decide to buy the full game will have their in‑trial progress transferred, allowing them to resume the season exactly where they left off. In addition, members receive up to a 10 % discount on the full game, FC Points and other EA digital purchases, plus recurring rewards such as Ultimate Team Draft Tokens.
The update introduces “The Grounds,” a new social‑football playground exclusive to Xbox Series X|S, where players can meet, recruit club members and compete in a range of activities from fast‑paced kick‑abouts to 2‑v‑2 matches and 11‑v‑11 stadium tournaments. The mode features three districts inspired by football culture and mentorship from renowned football figures.
Gameplay refinements include more fluid attacking with improved spatial awareness, off‑balance dribbling that maintains momentum through challenges, redesigned set‑pieces with real‑time control, and a two‑player header system for more competitive aerial duels.
Football Ultimate Team (FUT) receives a new Gallery feature that lets players curate and grade past and present player items, raising their Gallery Level to earn rewards and shape their club’s identity throughout the season.
Career mode sees a rebuilt Transfer Market that reacts to club buying power, player potential, ratings and form, delivering a more realistic valuation system. New negotiation tools such as performance and buy‑back clauses are also added.
EA also announced pre‑order incentives: the Ultimate Edition grants up to seven days of early access, a Season 1 Premium Pass, exclusive FUT items and 6,000 FC Points over three months (subject to redemption by August 1 2027). The Standard Edition includes a FUT 92+ OVR ICON player item for FC 26 and other career challenges.
The trial and its associated rewards are available until December 1, after which players can claim the EA Play member reward for The Grounds. All offers are subject to the EA Play Terms, with certain restrictions applying in Belgium, South Korea and other regions.