EA Sports FC 26 is just around the corner, and with its release looming, Career Mode fans are already strategising their first playthroughs. If you’re the type who loves a good underdog story or working your way up through the leagues, then you’re in for a treat. EA FC 26 is adding 19 newly confirmed teams across a range of global leagues: some returning, some debuting, and all full of narrative juice.
With the 2024-25 football season kicking off in most regions, the addition of these clubs makes Career Mode even more enticing. Whether you’re looking to revive fallen giants or lead regional minnows to European glory, we’ve got the full list of newcomers, and some insider tips on which clubs to keep an eye on.
New Clubs from England
- Oldham Athletic (EFL League Two)
- Barnet FC (EFL League Two)
The English Football League is undeniably one of the most popular destinations for Career Mode veterans. It offers the full spectrum of the promotion journey, a genuine four-tier climb to the Premier League. This year, EA adds two fascinating projects:
Barnet FC returns to an EA title for the first time since 2018, after reclaiming its League Two status. Meanwhile, Oldham Athletic brings Premier League nostalgia, they were one of its founding members in the ’90s. Now buried in the fourth tier, they offer the perfect “from the ashes” storyline.
Spanish Additions in EA FC 26
- FC Andorra (La Liga 2)
- Cultural Leonesa (La Liga 2)
When it comes to flair and footballing drama, Spain never disappoints. In EA FC 26, two new teams join the lineup from La Liga 2.
Cultural Leonesa is riding high after reclaiming its spot in the second tier for the first time in eight years. They’re a club with heart and a loyal local fanbase, ideal for players craving an authentic rebuild.
But the real draw here is FC Andorra. Backed by former Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Piqué, this club holds the distinction of being the only non-Spanish team in Spain’s football pyramid. Earlier this year, Piqué even challenged the Andorran government to support the club financially. Oh, and their players traveled over 2,200 kilometers for an away game last season, commitment like that deserves a Career Mode redemption arc.
Italian Teams Making Their Debut
- Pescara Calcio (Serie B)
- Calcio Padova (Serie B)
Serie C’s treacherous playoff model has humbled many a Football Manager veteran, but in EA FC 26, you’ve now got the opportunity to take some of its recent success stories up the ladder.
Pescara Calcio earned promotion in dramatic fashion, winning on penalties, thanks to a limping but heroic goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a badge with a dolphin?
Then there’s Calcio Padova, a club with deep roots in Italian football tradition. Even Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero kickstarted his career there. Stylish both on and off the pitch, they’re a compelling choice for players who like their football with a touch of class.
Germany’s Road-to-Glory Contenders
- MSV Duisburg (3. Liga)
- 1. FC Schweinfurt 05 (3. Liga)
Germany might fly under the radar in the Career Mode scene, but don’t be fooled: it has one of the best tiered-league systems in football gaming. EA FC 26 introduces two German clubs that embody the true spirit of comebacks.
Schweinfurt hasn’t seen 3. Liga action since 2005, making them a nostalgic pick and ultimate longshot. On the flip side, Duisburg brings legacy appeal. A former Bundesliga and DFB Pokal finalist, they’re a club on a mission, arguably EA FC 26’s Wrexham equivalent.
Additional New Teams Across Global Leagues
- San Diego FC (MLS, USA)
- Le Mans FC (Ligue 2, France)
- Neom SC (Saudi Pro League)
- SC Telstar (Eredivisie, Netherlands)
- FC Alverca (Liga Portugal)
- Östers IF (Allsvenskan, Sweden)
- Kocaelispor (Süper Lig, Turkey)
- Genclerbirligi (Süper Lig, Turkey)
- Falkirk FC (Scottish Premiership)
- Odense Boldklub (Danish Superliga)
- Vålerenga Fotball Elite (Eliteserien, Norway)
If you’re truly looking to venture off the beaten path, these clubs offer one-of-a-kind stories that you just can’t manufacture.
San Diego FC, the newest addition to MLS, already boasts six straight away wins. Backed by British billionaire Mohamed Mansour, they have the funds — and now the game presence — to become the next powerhouse.
SC Telstar’s return to the Eredivisie marks the end of a 47-year drought. They also sport one of the most iconic third kits in the league … fingers crossed it makes it into the game.
FC Alverca is perhaps the most exciting wildcard. Owned by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, the Portuguese outfit is known for its ultra-young squad — think 20.8 average age — and untapped potential. If you’re looking to nurture youth talent, this is your dream team.
Here’s the full list again for easy reference
- San Diego FC (MLS)
- Oldham Athletic (EFL League Two)
- Barnet FC (EFL League Two)
- Pescara Calcio (Serie B)
- Calcio Padova (Serie B)
- Le Mans FC (Ligue 2)
- FC Andorra (La Liga 2)
- Cultural Leonesa (La Liga 2)
- MSV Duisburg (3. Liga)
- 1. FC Schweinfurt 05 (3. Liga)
- Neom SC (Saudi Pro League)
- SC Telstar (Eredivisie)
- FC Alverca (Liga Portugal)
- Östers IF (Allsvenskan)
- Kocaelispor (Super Lig)
- Genclerbirligi (Super Lig)
- Falkirk FC (Scottish Premiership)
- Odense Boldklub (Danish Superliga)
- Vålerenga Fotball Elite (Eliteserien)
Whether you’re blazing a multi-title campaign in the English pyramid or stirring up a Cinderella story from Portugal, these new additions expand the sandbox for Career Mode players like never before.
So the big question is: will you go with a legacy club struggling to return to former glory, or start from scratch with a team of future stars? Either way, EA FC 26 just made that choice a lot more interesting.