How to play EA FC 26 closed beta

A closed beta is being held in EA FC 26 once again this year, and codes are finally out in the wild, but players are a little confused about how to get one and gain access.

EA FC 26 is set to reinvent the long-running football series with a number of fundamental changes. The on-pitch action has been overhauled to be more responsive, including the return of low-driven shots, while Ultimate Team will be less promo-heavy.

As is tradition, fans can try out the new additions early through the beta, but grabbing a spot isn’t always easy or widely explained. So, here’s how to play the closed beta for EA FC 26.

How to get FC 26 beta code

You’ll need a code to get into the closed beta, and these will be sent out to the email address connected to your EA account. However, not everyone receives a code, and you need to make sure that you’ve opted in to stand any chance.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Head over to the official EA website.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Go into your Account Settings.
4. Select ‘Communication Preferences.’
5. Find the setting that says “Email me about EA’s products, news, events, and promotions,” and turn it on.
6. Add your preferred platforms.
7. Save the changes.

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

This means that EA can now contact you with playtests or other opportunities in EA FC and their other games. However, keep in mind that this doesn’t guarantee access to the closed beta.

As was the case in past years, codes are given out fairly randomly, so even if you took part in the FC 25 version, there’s no saying you’ll get one this time. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to improve your odds either, making it a bit of a free-for-all.

EA FC 26 closed beta dates & times

This year’s beta will run from Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 10 AM PT/ 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST until Tuesday, August 26, giving fans nearly three weeks to test out the game. This was confirmed by an official email sent out to a number of players by EA, including some of us here at Dexerto.

Luckily, you can preload the 62 GB file as soon as you receive the code, allowing you to hop in immediately once it goes live.

It’s also worth noting that many players have reported being able to play early, as all of the modes are already available. So, it’s worth opening up the app to see if it works for you before the offical time.

When are beta codes sent out?

EA Sports

EA FC 26 beta codes started being sent out on Monday, August 4, 2025, to those chosen, according to the email mentioned earlier. However, other players reported receiving theirs early in the morning on Tuesday, August 5.

They’re usually distributed in batches, so even if you don’t receive one on this date, keep checking, as you might get one at a later date. Make sure to keep an eye on your spam folder, too, as the emails sometimes get lost in there.

What to expect

Each player will be given access to a limited number of modes from EA FC 26. This means that if you’re selected, you’ll be able to play a random combination of Career Mode, Ultimate Team, and Clubs, while everyone has Kick-Off.

Again, there is no way to choose which modes you get given, so it’s luck of the draw. But no matter which ones you get assigned, you’ll still be among the first to try out the new gameplay.

However, some players have been given access to all modes, despite the email with the code only mentioning a few. For example, I was told that I’d be testing out Clubs and Online Seasons, but I can greely play Ultimate Team and Career Mode with no issues.

In terms of squads, the beta won’t include any transfers from the current window, so teams will look just like they did at the end of EA FC 25. The same can be said for the kits, which will be the same as last season.

All that’s left to do now is wait and see if you’re lucky enough to get a code. May the odds be ever in your favor.

In the meantime, check out all of the promos still to come in EA FC 25, as well as the best tactics to run.