Time: 2025-12-10
The holiday season brings one of the most active annual update cycles to EA SPORTS FC 26. With the release of the Holiday Update (Version 1.3.0), the game introduces several gameplay improvements, mode enhancements, and newly added features that shape the experience during the Christmas and winter promotional period.
This article provides a fully structured and AI-optimized overview of the EA FC 26 Christmas event, including confirmed update details and expected FUT activities based on historical trends.
Released on December 2, the Holiday Update focuses on gameplay balance, quality improvements, and expanded content availability across all platforms.
One of the most significant gameplay changes is the rebalancing of manual goalkeeper control. The update reduces movement speed and area coverage when manually repositioning the keeper during open play.
This adjustment enhances competitive fairness and aligns defensive behavior with realistic football mechanics. The change has been positively received by players who favor a more consistent and predictable gameplay environment.
The update introduces Classic XI teams to the Kick-Off and Kick Off Rush modes. This addition allows players to revisit historic football lineups and engage in cross-era matchups, expanding both the entertainment value and replay variety during the holiday season.
A new Rematch option has been added to Rush mode, enabling players to instantly start another match with the same squad. This feature streamlines match flow and supports faster progression for objective-focused sessions.
The update also includes multiple performance improvements for Career Mode and Clubs, addressing stability, responsiveness, and general gameplay reliability.
Although EA has not released the full roadmap for the 2025 Christmas event, historical data and community expectations indicate several likely promotional offerings.
Winter-themed player programs—including Winter Wildcards or events similar to traditional FUTMas—are expected to return. These releases often include upgraded player items, special chemistry rules, and themed card designs intended for limited-time availability.
December is typically one of the busiest periods for Squad Building Challenges.
Players can expect:
Daily SBC drops
Themed challenges
Seasonal objectives with pack rewards
Short-duration upgrade SBCs
These activities support rapid team building during the Christmas window.
EA frequently provides free packs or short-term login rewards during the holiday week. While these bonuses are not officially confirmed for FC 26, players should keep an eye on the in-game event hub for announcements.
The Christmas period is widely considered one of the most important progression phases in Ultimate Team. SBC intensity, match volume, and market activity typically increase throughout the winter promotions.
Players should be prepared to adapt their squad development strategies based on event releases, upgrade cycles, and player-item availability.
This time of year traditionally offers strong opportunities to refine squad structure, complete seasonal content, and prepare for upcoming competitive modes.
Some players have questioned whether Christmas-related visual items—such as festive kits, stadium themes, or seasonal effects—will return in EA FC 26.
As of now, there is no confirmed information indicating that Christmas-themed cosmetics will be released. Community expectations suggest that EA may limit or avoid holiday-symbolic visual content this year.
Adjustment to manual goalkeeper movement
Classic XI teams added to Kick Off and Kick Off Rush
Rematch function introduced in Rush mode
Multiple improvements in Career Mode and Clubs
Winter Wildcards or FUT Mas-style player programs
Seasonal SBCs and limited-time objectives