FC 26 Trial Guide: How to Play Early with EA Play

If you're eager to get your hands on EA Sports FC 26 prior to its worldwide launch, you will not want to miss the FC 26 Trial. This trial will be available to EA Play subscribers who want to enjoy the entire game for up to 10 hours, one week prior to the game's official launch as a member of EA Play.
People with access to the trial will get a chance to test out gameplay, play Ultimate Team (including building your squad, trading, and opening packs), and buy FC Points before everyone else. Best of all, any progress made in the trial will carry over to the full game once you purchase it. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about the trial for FC 26.

What Is the FC 26 Trial?

With the FC 26 Trial, subscribers to EA Play get a special perk. All subscribers will be granted access to the entire game for a period of up to 10 hours. If you're thinking this will be a demo type of learning experience, think again - this will be the full version of the game, which includes Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and everything in between. If you make progress, earn stats, or earn achievements throughout the trial, it all transfers to the actual game should you purchase it.

The only catch is time. You will only have 10 hours maximum, and don't forget, every time you aren't playing, even if you leave it open and suspended in the background, the clock is ticking. So make sure when you aren't playing, you quit out of the game, because if you aren't playing at all, you are wasting part of the hour, and you want to maximize your time in the trial.

So yes, the trial gives people a real-time experience of FC 26 in person before purchasing. Also, you can try out squads, new mechanics, and even experience the new modes. For many, this may be the best way to determine if they want to buy the game on launch day or wait for a gauge of community feedback. This guide covers everything you need to know about the FC 26 Trial and how it connects with other leaks like FC 26 Serie A POTM Nominees Leaked and community excitement around the game’s new features.

FC 26 Trial Release Date

EA Play members have the chance to access their trial seven days prior to launch, with the servers flicking on at the same time around the world. This means that you won't need to change your store region, as access is global and goes live at the same time for all players.

• FC 26 Trial Release Date: 19 September 2025, 00:00 UK Time
• Duration: Up to 10 hours, or until the official release date (whichever comes first)

This early access window is a significant advantage for competitive players getting their squads and strategies ready before the rest of the player base.

By the time the standard edition releases, you will likely already have an advantage in both Ultimate Team and Career Mode. Plus, progress can be shared in the full version of the game, so nothing will go to waste.

How To Download and Install the FC 26 Trial

To play, make sure to download the trial directly from your console or PC store:

1. Confirm you’re logged into your account linked to EA Play.
2. Search in your console store or library for “FC 26”.
3. Click on one of the editions and select “Trial”.
4. If the game does not appear, try another edition.
5. Download and install the game completely before proceeding.

If you select to launch the game before it is installed, the game’s 10-hour timer will start even though you have access to limited features. Again, please remember to wait until it is finished before getting in the trial - you don't want to run your trial down. Speculation like FC 26 best Ligue 1 players leaked has only added to the anticipation.

EA Play Membership – Why You Should Get It

An EA Play membership is required to take advantage of the trial. In addition to the trial, members will also receive:

• 10% off EA digital purchases, including FC 26 and FC Points.
• Access to an expanding collection of EA titles through The Play List.
• In-game rewards are unique to members each month.

For the upcoming FC 26, it is highly recommended to subscribe for at least a month. Many times, the savings from FC 26 and FC Points alone will cover the cost of the monthly membership.

How To Subscribe To EA Play

1. Head to your PSN, Xbox, Steam, or Origin store.
2. Search for EA Play.
3. Select a monthly or yearly subscription.
4. If you are subscribing in September, look out for a limited-time 75% discount (September 13).

Membership auto-renews monthly or yearly, but you can cancel anytime before the next billing cycle.

Tips for Maximizing Your FC 26 Trial

Last but not least, strategies to make the most of your trial!

• Always make sure to fully close down the app when you are done (do not just suspend it).
• Save trial hours where you can by using the web or companion app to trade, SBCs, and manage your squad.
• Don't multitask while the game is open in the background.
• Make sure that the download is fully complete (100 percent) before trying to load it into the game.

The FC 26 Trial is a great way to get a taste of the EA Sports FC 26 experience before it launches in early October. As an EA Play member, you get early access, discounts, and an advantage over others.

Make the most out of your 10 Hours, get familiar with the new features, and know that you can transfer all your progress into the full game when it releases. With the trial’s early access and leaks like FC 26 Best Bundesliga Players Leaked creating buzz, EA Play gives you a chance to jump in ahead of the crowd and decide if you want to buy on launch day or wait for feedback.