I’ve always been fascinated by career mode in FIFA games (now EA FC), especially how it shapes our understanding of football through the eyes of a manager or player.
That said, I was never really sold on FIFA’s player career mode. It always felt undercooked compared to Pro Evolution Soccer (PES).
And sadly, from what I’ve seen in the news about FC 26, it seems we’re in for another underwhelming update.
New Features in FC 26: Fixes No One Asked For
The official FC26 site recently shared upcoming features, and once again, EA appears to miss the mark.
Rather than listening to longtime fans and addressing core gameplay mechanics, they’ve decided to double down on youth development and minor gameplay tweaks.
One new addition is coach ratings; similar to players, coaches now have stats ranging from 50 to 90.
Managers can hire or fire coaches based on tactical fit and philosophy. If a head coach is sacked, the assistant may temporarily take charge.
If results go well, the assistant can finish the season; otherwise, the club may appoint someone new.
On paper, this sounds good, but it’s a superficial layer rather than a fundamental improvement.
And then there’s the addition of 35 retro kits and legendary players in career mode.
Honestly? I find this pointless.
Career mode should be about realism and long-term progression. Why clutter it with nostalgia bait when those legendary players could be used creatively, as coaches, scouts, or directors of football?
Instead, we get marketing gimmicks with little impact on immersion.
What Could Have Been Done
I’ve played FIFA career mode since FIFA 13, often choosing smaller or mid-table clubs and guiding them to glory.
It’s a challenge I enjoy; building up a team like Genclerbirligi (Ankara team) and reaching the UEFA Europa League group stage, for instance. But the game lacks key mechanics to make that journey feel real.
Why can’t other clubs, especially big domestic ones, notice your success and approach you? In the current system, only the player initiates moves. And if your team is underperforming, you’re fired even if you’re doing everything right within your limits.
It’s unrealistic and frustrating.
Another overlooked feature is a club’s cup cabinet and visual recognition of success; stars on the badge, trophy rooms, and historical milestones.
These additions could elevate the feeling of progression and echo the prestige we see in real-world football culture.
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Should We Buy It?
Every year, EA drops a new FIFA (or now FC) game. And every year, it feels like we’re trapped in a loop.
Outside of squad updates and marginal changes, the core issues remain untouched. There’s still no meaningful competitor in this space, which lets EA get away with mediocrity.
To be fair, there is one promising change: improved AI in transfers.
Clubs now seem less likely to blow their entire budget on six strikers. We’re promised a smarter transfer market and more balanced squad building.
If true, that’s a welcome shift. But it’s not enough. Not nearly.
Honestly, if EA wants my help designing career mode mechanics, I’m just a message away 😀 And maybe one day, we’ll have a single, evolving FC title, updated annually like Football Manager instead of this endless repackaging.
In my next entry, I’ll explore the fascinating story of Will Still, manager of Stade de Reims, who learned his tactics by playing Football Manager. It’s a brilliant case of life imitating the virtual pitch
Stay tuned!
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sebastian Frej
Recording Date: 06.10.2024