EA SPORTS FC™ Pro, the official competitive ecosystem for EA’s global football franchise, is set to begin its third season later this month with the launch of FC Pro 26. The new season introduces expanded competitive opportunities, an integrated in-game registration system, and a live esports mode designed to connect fans and players more directly to the competition.

Registration opens Sept. 19, coinciding with the early access release of EA SPORTS FC 26. Players who achieve Division 4 in Rivals can immediately begin competing through the FC Pro Open Ladder, which runs Sept. 22 through Oct. 1.

“Football and gaming fandom continue to converge in exciting ways, and FC Pro is at the center,” said Monica Dinsmore, EA’s Head of Esports. “Coming off record-setting viewership in Year 2, we’re reinvesting that momentum back into our FC Pro 26 community.”

GLOBAL FOOTBALL ESPORTS RETURNS WITH EA SPORTS FC PRO 26

The FC Pro Open, running from September through February, returns as the proving ground for both seasoned competitors and rising talent. A total of $1 million USD will be awarded across the season, with qualifiers feeding into regional and global events. The first major live event of the year, the FC Pro Open Global Qualifier, will take place Oct. 31–Nov. 2 at DreamHack Atlanta.

The flagship FC Pro Open competition follows in November, introducing “super weeks” that double the number of matches at the start and end of the schedule. Top performers will advance to the single-elimination finals, where eight seats for the FC Pro World Championship will be decided.

Also returning are the FC Pro Open Cups, monthly online tournaments from November to January that reward regional points and offer another route to the Last Chance Qualifier. Later in the season, FC Pro Leagues will provide direct championship spots through select partner organizations.

The season culminates in the FC Pro World Championship, which returns with a $1.5 million USD prize pool. The tournament will once again feature Play-Ins, giving players multiple pathways to the world stage.

EA said FC Pro 25 set records with 41 million hours of content watched before its world championship, highlighted by ManuBachoore’s repeat title win. With expanded access, integrated features, and higher stakes, FC Pro 26 aims to build on that momentum.