Published on: August 29, 2025 12:46 pm IST
The EA FC 26 Preloads on the Preloads Xbox have gone live as early as possible, weeks before the release, fans have been confused, while the playstation players wait for their turn.
The EA FC 26 is not out yet, and already some Xbox players are downloading it. Screenshot Xbox Series X | Preloads on S are walking around showing live, a thick 52.03 GB with the game.
What’s strange here: Pre-loads usually live live a few days before the initial access begins. Instead, the Xbox users are looking at FC 26 pop on 26 September, 2025, about a month before release. Meanwhile, the playstation users remain in the dark, nothing has yet appeared for the PS5 or PS4.
Why Xbox users are shocked
The Xbox had a long-term early game release habit, thanks to the infamous New Zealand time-region’s move. But download the full game a month ago? This is a new level of unpredictable.
According to reports, the EA FC 26 files are already in the Xbox game library. A player shared an Xbox UI screenshot, which shows surprise (and slight confusion) from the community, showing ready to download the game.
What is coming next; and when
EA Sports confirmed the initial access to the first ultimate edition, the pre-orders begin from September 19, 2025, with full game unlocking for all on 26 September. Preload leaks do not change those dates, but question about why Xbox users are already getting head starts.
At the top of the initial access, the final version Bonus score like buyers:
- Early access to 7 days (sept starting from 19)
- 6,000 FC points (4,500 on nintendo switch versions)
- An additional player Evolution Slot, Season 1 Premium Pass, and Career-Mode Boost
What does it mean, and why it stands out
|
insight |
why it matters |
| Unpredictable preload | Xbox players can pre-down a game that is still for weeks from release. |
| Platform inequality | The Xbox leads, while the playstation users are still waiting – and thinking that when. |
| Marketing versus execution | Such leaks can promote promotion – but also spotlight the accidents of coordination. |
The preload of EA FC 26 is visible on Xbox so quickly that there is a rare gaming moment. For fans, this means more time and less delay to download the day of launch. But for EA, it is a reminder that even large launch can stumble at the surprise.
