FC 26 Gauntlet mode: All You Need To Know

EA FC 26 closed Beta release introduced a new fun mode to the users, known as the Gauntlet Mode. FC 26 Gauntlet mode is a newly introduced, limited-time event in FC 26 Ultimate Team that emphasises consecutive match performance using non-repeating player selections. Instead of relying on your best 11 repeatedly, players are pushed to rotate full squads between rounds, changing how FUT has traditionally been approached. The early previews have already captivated the users and are generating lots of buzz in the community.

EA SPORTS FC 26 has brought a major change in its gameplay and Ultimate Team with the introduction of Gauntlet Mode, a fresh event-based format designed to challenge both tactical planning and squad rotation. This mode shall reward the users who are grinding day and night to improve their ultimate team. Gauntlet Mode shall appeal to the users who prioritise variety, adaptability and want to test their underrated cards. As FC 26 nears its official release, this feature may prove to be the differential factor that changes how players engage with FUT on a week-to-week basis.

FC 26 Gauntlet Mode

Senior Lead Product Manager at EA Sports FC, Jamey Cane, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) to explain the new Gauntlet mode to the users. He broke down the intricacies of the live event, making it more understandable to the users. Jamey Cane, who goes by the name of @FUT_Economist on X, posted an explanatory tweet on August 5th, 2025, at 10:50 am.

Jamey explained that the developer's vision for the gauntlets is to make the users feel rewarded for building and upgrading multiple squads of their choosing. He asserted that most of the gauntlet modes are going to have open squad requirements. This means the game shall not pose any restrictions on the type of squad to be used in a specific Gauntlet event. Such modes shall be guided by only one rule, and that is that the users won't be able to repeat the set of players used in an earlier round. The main idea driving this mode is to let the users play squads they seldom use. Jamey added that the Gauntlets are designed to reward the user for the club depth they maintain by building a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th squad. This also makes way for the not-so-good players to be used in the game.

Community Reaction to FC 26 Gauntlet Mode

The EA FC community has given some very positive feedback on the FC 26 Gauntlet Mode. A few users also posed some queries in the comments section. One use, @andytsimpson1 asked.

Another one, @FGZNews wrote,

Another user, @RoccSed, cherished this move by the game devs and wrote

Another user, @DannyGIOM, wrote.