Time: 2025-11-19
The esports world continues to explode in popularity, and major game publishers are at the forefront, creating premier competitive circuits for their titles. Leading the charge in the football simulation genre is EA Sports FC, which launched its flagship esports series, FC Pro. Kicking off with each new game release, the competitive season for FC 26 is now underway, and the spotlight is on the FC 26 Pro Open—a pivotal stage on the road to the World Championship.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the FC 26 Pro Open, from the full schedule and format to the star players to watch.
What is the FC 26 Pro Open?
The FC 26 Pro Open is a critical segment of the broader FC Pro competitive circuit for the 2025-26 season. While the ultimate goal for competitors is the FC Pro World Championship, the Pro Open is where 24 of the world's best players clash in a grueling group stage. For fans, this phase delivers some of the most intense and entertaining 1v1 matches of the entire season.
FC 26 Pro: Overall Season Schedule
The path to the Pro Open has been fierce. The season commenced with the following qualifiers:
Late September - October: Pro Ladder & Regional Qualifiers
October 31 - November 2: FC Pro Open Global Qualifier
The Pro Ladder alone saw a staggering 77,000 participants, with only 43 earning a spot in the Regional Qualifiers, showcasing the incredible level of competition.
The main FC 26 Pro Open group stage runs from November 24, 2025, to January 20, 2026, culminating in the Finals on January 26, 2026.
FC 26 Pro Open Format Explained
The 24 players in the Pro Open consist of 16 victors from the qualifiers and 8 who earned direct invites based on their stellar performances in the previous season. These players are divided into four groups (A, B, C, D) and will compete in a double round-robin format in London.
The stakes are high, with only the top four from each group progressing:
1st Place: Advances directly to the Top 8 of the World Championship.
2nd & 3rd Place: Move on to the Open Finals.
4th Place: Receives an invite to the FC Pro 27 Open Global Qualifier.
Full FC 26 Pro Open Schedule
Group Stage, Day 1: Monday, November 24th, 2025, 18:00 UTC
Group Stage, Day 2: Tuesday, November 25th, 2025, 18:00 UTC
Group Stage, Day 3: Monday, December 1st, 2025, 18:00 UTC
Group Stage, Day 4: Monday, December 8th, 2025, 18:00 UTC
Group Stage, Day 5: Monday, January 5th, 2026, 18:00 UTC
Group Stage, Day 6: Monday, January 12th, 2026, 18:00 UTC
Group Stage, Day 7: Monday, January 19th, 2026, 18:00 UTC
Group Stage, Day 8: Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, 18:00 UTC
Finals: Monday, January 26th, 2026, Time TBC
Players and Groups to Watch
The 24 competitors are split into four groups, featuring a mix of established legends and rising stars. The eight direct invitees, recognized as the ones to beat, are: Vejrgang, Obrun, Levi de Weerd, LJR Peixoto, ManuBachoore, nicolas99fc, Brice, and GuiBarros.
All eyes will be on players like Denmark's Vejrgang and two-time champion Manu Bachoore. However, the nature of competition means surprises are always possible, and an underdog could always emerge to claim the trophy.
What About FC 26 Pro Open Cups?
For the wider player base, the monthly FC 26 Pro Open Cups offer a taste of competitive action. After the November cup concluded, the upcoming schedules are:
December Cup: Ladder (Dec 9-16), Playoffs (Dec 20-21)
January Cup: Ladder (Jan 6-16), Playoffs (Jan 31-Feb 1)
Why You Should Tune In
Watching the FC 26 Pro Open is a masterclass in high-level play. You can learn advanced tactics, team-building strategies, and in-game decision-making directly from the pros. To build your ultimate team and compete at a higher level, securing resources is key. For players looking to gain an edge, you can buy EA FC 26 coins and other items securely and conveniently at MMOMAX.
All matches will be streamed live on Twitch and YouTube, with potential viewership rewards, making it a must-watch for any football gaming fan.