If you’re diving into EA Sports FC 26, solo modes can offer plenty of fun, but let’s be real: the game truly shines when you’re battling it out with a friend, either beside you on the couch or online across platforms. Whether you’re unleashing Ultimate Team dominance, grinding through Co-Op Seasons, or going head-to-head in Kick Off matches, playing with (or against) friends is where memories are made.
With crossplay returning in EA FC 26, there’s now more flexibility than ever when it comes to connecting with teammates and rivals, even if they’re on another platform. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything: from how to add friends and start matches together to how crossplay works and how to disable it if you prefer to keep things platform-specific.
Getting started: How to play with friends online
There are a bunch of modes in EA FC 26 that support online multiplayer with friends, and each one has subtle differences in how you get started.
Ultimate Team: Put Your Squad to the Test
To play with or against a friend in Ultimate Team mode:
- Look for tiles in the Ultimate Team menu that include a “Play With a Friend” option.
- You’ll also see “Solo or Co-Op” written underneath the mode title if it supports friend play.
If you’re planning a friendly rivalry match, head to:
- ‘Play’ → ‘Play vs Friend’
- Select the friend you want to invite from the list.
- Once they accept, you’re good to go!
Co-Op Seasons: Team Up and Climb Together
If Ultimate Team isn’t your scene, you can jump into Co-Op Seasons from the main menu. It’s a fantastic way to pair up and take down other online duos:
- Create a new Co-Op Season, or load an existing one.
- Invite your friend before heading into matches together.
It’s great fun and a nice change of pace if you’re after a more balanced, division-style challenge.
Clubs: 11 Friends, One Team
The rebranded Clubs mode (formerly Pro Clubs) is still the best example of teamwork in EA FC 26. Here’s what to know:
- Up to 11 players work together, each controlling a single player on the field.
- You’ll compete against other full squads to rise up the ranks and hone your personalized Pro.
Honestly? This is one of the most rewarding ways to play with friends: it’s about synergy, communication, and big win celebrations.
Can’t beat couch co-op
Prefer the old-school vibe of sitting next to your opponent? EA FC 26 supports couch co-op, though it’s a bit limited compared to the online play.
Your go-to option will be Kick Off mode, where you can battle head-to-head locally. Choose your favorite club or national team and settle it the classic way, controller in hand. Want to add a little spice? Use the House Rules to create some chaotic fun: no rules, long-range only, survival mode. It’s like FIFA’s version of party mode.
Adding friends with EA Connect for Crossplay
To play with friends across different platforms, you’ll need to add them through EA Connect. It’s simple once you know how:
- Press RT (Xbox) or R2 (PlayStation) to open the EA Connect menu.
- Go to the ‘Player Search’ tab and select ‘Add Friend’.
- You can use your friend’s EA ID or share your own (visible on the right-hand side of the screen).
Once your friend accepts, they’ll appear on your friends list. From there, just hit any mode that offers “Play with a Friend,” tap their name, and you’re ready to rumble.
How to turn off Crossplay in EA FC 26
If you’re more of a purist or just want matchmaking limited to your platform, you can easily disable crossplay in just a few taps:
- Go to the Settings icon in the top-left of the main menu.
- Select ‘Online Settings’ → ‘Matchmaking Options’.
- Scroll to the bottom and toggle off ‘Cross-play Enabled’.
Once it’s off:
- You’ll only match against players on the same platform: Xbox to Xbox, PlayStation to PlayStation, and so on.
- You’ll no longer be able to play with friends on other platforms, even if you’ve added them via EA Connect.
Important: Crossplay isn’t supported between console generations. That means someone on Xbox Series X|S can’t connect with someone on PS4, even if crossplay is enabled.
Ready to kick off?
Whether you’re teaming up in Co-Op Seasons, throwing down in Kick Off, or climbing with your squad in Clubs, EA FC 26 makes it easier than ever to connect and compete. Just make sure your crossplay settings match your intentions, and you’re golden.
So grab a friend, sync up your strategies, and look forward to late-night grudge matches and highlight reel goals. This is what football gaming is all about.