FC 26 December Feedback Update: AI, Squad Battles & Career Mode Tweaks

EA Sports recently launched a video outlining the FC 26 December Feedback Update. In this video, EA devs explained what changes have been made to game modes based on player feedback from the community.

This will be part of the EA FC 26 January update, with the changes focusing on smoothing out some of the frustrations players experience in their competitive modes, Ultimate Team, Squad Battles, and Career Mode. While there are many tweaks to the game modes through this update, the most significant is definitely going to be the AI Defending.

FC 26 December Feedback Update Targets AI Defending Issues

The most noteworthy change made by EA in this FC26 December Feedback update is an adjustment in the way AI Defenders handle their marking of ball carriers. After extensive player criticism over the way AI Defenders were reacting to ball carriers over the last couple of months, EA has now committed to making a significant change to AI Defenders during their transition between when they move out of position and back into position.

With the new adjustment in the FC26 December Feedback update, AI Defenders will react much more slowly while they are beginning/continuing their marking of Ball Carriers, thus providing more opportunities to Attack creatively as they can be allowed to have Open Spaces to occupy during the Transition Period between Actions.

Players believe that AI Defenders were reacting too quickly and winning challenges too easily, bailing out manual defenders who were not as successful at performing manual Defending. That's why these adjustments were made to AI Defending will reward players who are successful at performing manual defending, reading movements correctly, and timing their tackles properly.

You can check out our FC 26 slider settings to better optimise your gameplay.

Ultimate Team Gets a New Releases Hub

Ultimate Team is also receiving a quality of life upgrade in the FC26 December Feedback update. A new New Releases hub will be added, making it easier to track fresh FC 26 skills, SBCs, Objectives, and other live content. Players will no longer have to navigate different menus to see what has just been added; they will be able to quickly view the information in one location.

EA will provide further details closer to launch, but these changes are part of an ongoing initiative. It will keep users aware of new content when there are promotional events.

Squad Battles CPU AI Adjustments Coming

Another key part of the FC 26 December Feedback Update focuses on Squad Battles. EA has acknowledged that the CPU AI was too frustrating to play against higher levels because the CPU tended to play conservatively and only show interest in passing to maintain possession.

In January, the CPU will push the pace of play and develop scoring opportunities at a faster rate, allowing for matches that feel like real games and don't drag on forever as they do now.

Career Mode Player Potential Indicator Returns

Career Mode players also have reason to be pleased. A recent UI update replaced the player potential indicator with a contract negotiation status, which was not well-received. EA will bring back both indicators early January for players to see how they are developing, and without any confusion on contract terms.

EA SPORTS FC stated that there would be complete Pitch Notes releases for FC 26 December Feedback Update early in January. The current X thread summarises what usually occurs in December Pitch Notes as EA closed the update, thanking players for their feedback and encouraging them to keep giving their feedback through the player feedback portal and official Discord.

That's all from us about FC 26 Feedback Update December 2025. Also, check out how FC 26 active evolution slots were increased recently in another update.