FC 26 Boosting

The 2026 World Cup kicks off in less than a week, but the excitement is already building in the virtual soccer world of FC 26!

Whenever a major soccer tournament takes place, EA FC series rolls out in-game updates to celebrate. The World's Game Update, launched on June 4th this year, is one such example.

Beyond gameplay changes, this update introduces a series of new promos starting June 5th. Released every Friday, with intervals ranging from one to two weeks, these events give you the chance to earn new player items based on the real-time progress of the World Cup.

Here, we introduce the first promo event: Path to Glory. Make sure you grab the players you want before time runs out.

Path to Glory Schedule

The event is split into two teams, each running for one week. The schedule is as follows:

• Team 1: June 5-12, 2026
• Team 2: June 12-19, 2026

Although the event spans two weeks in total, Team 1 player cards are only available during the first week and do not carry over to the second. Be sure to keep an eye on the specific lineups so you don't miss out on your favorite players.

It is worth noting that Path to Glory is just the first installment of Festival of Football World Cup celebration series. Four more promos will follow in succession after it concludes:

• Greats of the Game: June 19-26
• Glory Hunters: June 26 - July 10
• Phenoms: July 10-17
• Summer Stars: July 17-24

Note that the World Cup tournament itself concludes on July 19th, not the 24th, so be careful not to confuse the tournament's end date with Summer Stars event schedule.

Path to Glory Team 1 Squad

Path to Glory Team 1 squad has been released this week, featuring players available via random pack pulls as well as those unlocked by completing specific SBCs and Objectives:

Team 1:

RB:

• Amar Dedić

CB:

• Rúben Dias
• David Alaba
• Ronald Araújo
• Hiroki Ito
• Abdukodir Khusanov
• Michael Boxall
• Olwethu Makhanya

LB:

• Alphonso Davies
• Lucas Digne
• David Møller Wolfe
• Nawaf Boushal

CDM:

• Edson Álvarez
• Rodrigo
• Sphephelo Sithole

CM:

• Hannibal
• Frenkie de Jong
• Mario Pašalić
• Lewis Ferguson
• Kristian Thorstvedt
• Adalberto Carrasquilla

CAM:

• Jamal Musiala
• Kevin De Bruyne
• Juan Fernando Quintero
• James Rodríguez

RM:

• Giuliano Simeone
• Brahim Díaz

RW:

• Bukayo Saka
• Anthony Elanga
• Miguel Almirón
• Christian Pulisic

LM:

• Iliman Ndiaye
• Ryan Mendes
• Jesse Randall

LW:

• Vinícius Júnior

ST:

• Omar Marmoush
• Gonçalo Ramos
• Yoane Wissa
• Raúl Jiménez
• Enner Valencia
• Pavel Šulc

SBC and Objectives:

RB:

• Noussair Mazraoui

CB:

• Tim Ream
• Chris Richards
• Omar Alderete

LB:

• Mateo Chávez

CM:

• Lucas Paquetá
• Teboho Mokoena
• Jens Castrop

CAM:

• Martin Ødegaard
• Amad Diallo

LM:

• Cody Gakpo

LW:

• Ferran Torres
• Alexis Vega
• Elijah Just

ST:

• Patrik Schick

The acquisition of the latter group of players does not depend strictly on Team 1 vs. Team 2 distinction, but rather on the release schedule of FC 26 event over the two-week period.

How to get these players?

While Path to Glory players have the potential to become very powerful, the methods for obtaining them follow standard promo mechanics: opening packs or trading on the transfer market.

Packs are primarily unlocked by completing SBCs, Objectives, or participating in other events. If the packs from this source don't yield the players you want within the allotted time, you can also consume coins in the in-game store to unlock extra packs.

A quick reminder: while the packs themselves don't expire, you must open them during Path to Glory event period to have a chance at getting these specific players. So, make sure to time it right.

What makes these players so valuable?

Beyond their already impressive base stats, players from both Team 1 and Team 2 will receive additional boosts based on their national team's performance in the upcoming World Cup:

• National team scores 3 goals in the group stage: Card OVR +1
• National team advances to the Round of 32: PlayStyle+ +1
• National team advances to the Quarter-finals: 5/5 upgrade & +1 Alt Position with all Roles++
• National team advances to the Semi-finals: PlayStyle+ +1
• National team advances to the Final: Card OVR +1
• National team wins the Final: Card upgrades to 99 OVR and gains Icon Chemistry

This event not only commemorates the 2026 World Cup but could also land you an incredibly powerful card, ensuring a smoother FC 26 gameplay experience in the months ahead. Of course, that depends on the team your player represents performing well!

While the game applies these upgrades in real-time based on match results, you can check the schedule below (all times in Pacific Time) to stay up to date:

• Group Stage: June 11-27
• Round of 32: June 28 - July 3
• Round of 16: July 4-7
• Quarter-finals: July 9-11
• Semi-finals: July 14-15
• Third-Place Play-off: July 18
• Final: July 19

That covers everything for now. If you don't want to miss out on this event and the rewards, get ready to jump in! I hope the players and teams you support also deliver brilliant performances at the World Cup!

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and its opening is now in its final countdown, with global football fans' anticipation rising.

This World Cup, the first to be jointly hosted by three countries and the first to expand to 48 teams, is breaking records in this century-old tournament with numerous innovations.

The opening match of this World Cup will be held at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, with hosts Mexico facing South Africa. Notably, Azteca Stadium will become the first stadium in World Cup history to host matches in three different eras, and this temple of football history is about to usher in a new chapter in its legendary history.

Historic Expansion

This World Cup officially bids farewell to the long-standing 32-team format, historically expanding the number of participating teams to 48. Top teams from around the world are divided into 12 groups (from Group A to Group L).

The density of the schedule is also unprecedented. The total number of matches has surged from 64 to 104, an increase of 40. Any team aiming to lift World Cup trophy must endure eight high-intensity battles within 39 days.

Compared to the previous seven-match winning path, there's an additional knockout round. This is not only a contest of tactics and skills, but also the ultimate test of physical reserves, medical rehabilitation, bench depth, and even mental fortitude.

For the players, this is a life-or-death struggle against fatigue and injuries; for the coaching staff, it's a mathematical problem requiring precise calculations of rotation and final push.

Group Stage

As the opening whistle blew, all the teams took to the field. In the following twelve days of the first round of group stage matches, several high-profile clashes have already whetted the appetites of fans worldwide, with three key matches dubbed "the pivotal battles that will determine the group's outcome" by the media.

In Group F, the clash between Netherlands and Asian powerhouse Japan has become a hot topic. Netherlands has successfully transitioned to a new generation in recent years, with a squad led by Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Cody Gakpo combining experience and energy.

Japan, on the other hand, proved in the last World Cup that they can compete with world-class teams. Their technically gifted midfield and attack, composed of Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Daichi Kamada, are capable of tearing apart any defense.

This match was described by European media as a "clash between total football and extreme discipline." Netherlands' elegant wing play clashed with Japan's precise counter-attacking defense; whoever could control the game would gain a significant advantage in the race for qualification.

Group K was equally competitive. Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal against South American giants Colombia. Although Ronaldo is no longer young, his leadership and finishing ability in crucial moments remain Portugal's most reliable weapons.

After years of ups and downs, Colombia has rediscovered the wildness and flair of South American football, with Luis Díaz's explosive ability on the wings being top-notch.

This clash between European technical style and South American talent is not only about three points, but also about psychological dominance. Whoever emerges victorious in this tough battle is more likely to top the group and avoid facing the toughest opponents in the knockout stage.

Group L continues the rivalry. England and Croatia meet again. Fans will not forget Croatia's classic extra-time comeback against England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final; nor will they forget England's exhilarating revenge in the group stage of Euro 2020.

Now, both teams have undergone significant changes: for England, rising stars like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden have emerged as pillars; Croatia faces the poignant reality of Luka Modrić's final performance.

The significance of this tournament transcends the points themselves; it carries the weight of historical destiny and the passing of the torch between old and new powers.

A North American Superstorm of Economy and Culture

FIFA officially predicts that the total number of viewers for this World Cup will exceed 6 million, with global broadcast ratings breaking all previous records. Behind this is the unique commercial and cultural magnetism brought about by the joint hosting by the three North American countries.

The three vast countries of United States, Canada, and Mexico have not only comprehensively upgraded their transportation, security, and venue technology.

From the retractable air-conditioned roof of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to the 5G holographic broadcasting system at BC Place in Vancouver, and the digital transformation of Mexico City's Aztec football mecca-the host cities have seen a massive influx of hundreds of thousands of international fans.

From the anticipation of the final at MetLife Stadium in New York, to the jubilant celebrations of fans from around the world on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, from the cheers emanating from the seafood stalls at Pike Place Market in Seattle, to the first experiences of Maple Leaf Country in Vancouver and Toronto… the entire North American continent has been completely ignited. 

According to official statistics, over 1.5 million international tourists visited United States alone to watch the games. Hotel occupancy rates in the host cities exceeded 95%, and daily peak spending in the catering, transportation, and retail industries tripled compared to normal days. 

On a cultural level, this joint hosting of the tournament was itself a victory of cross-border collaboration. Mexico brought the fervor of Latin America and the wild spirit of street football; Canada showcased its diversity, inclusivity, and the vitality of outdoor sports;。

And United States, with its unparalleled commercial operations and entertainment packaging, transformed World Cup into a super carnival blending music festivals, technology exhibitions, and food festivals.

From the halftime shows of each match to the interactive experiences in every fan park and the viral challenges on social media - World Cup was no longer just 90 minutes of competition, but a cultural immersion lasting over a month.

In addition to the above, this FIFA World Cup will also introduce several new competition rules. Players who cover their mouths with their hands while communicating with opponents on the field will face an immediate red card. 

FIFA president explained that this measure aims to prevent potential racist or offensive remarks: "If a player covers his mouth while saying something, and it is deemed to have racist consequences, he must be sent off. If he communicates while covering his mouth, it can be assumed that he said something he shouldn't have."

Furthermore, the new rules include: substituted players must leave the field through the nearest exit within 10 seconds; those who fail to do so will face a one-minute period of playing with ten men; the recovery time for throw-ins and goal kicks is strictly limited to 5 seconds;。

Players must leave the field for one minute after receiving on-field treatment (except in special circumstances such as serious injuries and collisions).

From the opening match at Aztec Stadium to the grand final at Metropolitan Life Stadium, from the new format with 48 teams to the record-breaking prize money, the 2026 USA-CMC World Cup is writing a new chapter in football history on a grand scale spanning North American continent.

The aging Belgian golden generation, grouped with Netherlands, the injury-plagued French defender Saliba, and French champions currently negotiating bonuses-these uncertainties, both on and off the field, further add unpredictable, dramatic tension to this unprecedented Super World Cup.

The answer will be revealed in a week.