EA FC 26: Features Missing at Launch and What It Means for Players

As the football gaming community looks ahead to EA FC 26, anticipation is running high. With every yearly release, fans eagerly await new mechanics, fresh content, and improvements to both gameplay and Ultimate Team. EA has promised a host of innovations this year, including refined dribbling systems, smarter AI, and continued expansion of authentic stadium and club licenses. However, just as important as what's being added is what won't be present at launch.

1. No Return of The Journey-Style Story Mode

Many fans have hoped that EA would revisit a cinematic, narrative-driven mode similar to The Journey, which last appeared in FIFA 19. Unfortunately, FC 26 continues the trend of leaving story-focused experiences off the table.

While The Journey offered players a more immersive, character-driven way to enjoy football, EA has shifted its development resources toward enhancing Career Mode and Ultimate Team. The decision makes sense, as those two areas command the most active player base. Still, the lack of a story campaign is a disappointment for players who enjoy immersive, offline single-player content.

2. No Cross-Progression Across All Modes

Cross-play has been a big step forward since EA integrated it into Online Friendlies and Ultimate Team matches. However, cross-progression-the ability to carry over your progress, coins, and club across different platforms-is still absent in FC 26.

This omission means that if you play Ultimate Team on PlayStation, your progress won't sync with PC or Xbox versions. It's a missed opportunity for EA to offer more flexibility to players who own multiple platforms, especially given how many modern games already offer full cross-progression.

3. Missing National Teams and Licenses

Licensing is always a complex issue in football games, and while EA continues to expand its roster of official clubs and leagues, some notable omissions remain in FC 26. Several national teams that were present in FIFA 23, for example, are still absent, along with a handful of iconic stadiums.

These missing licenses are largely due to ongoing negotiations and exclusive deals held by other publishers. For fans of certain nations or stadiums, this can feel like a step back, even as the game grows elsewhere.

4. Limited Updates to Pro Clubs

Pro Clubs remains a beloved mode for dedicated communities who enjoy building squads with friends. However, EA FC 26 is not bringing major innovation to Pro Clubs, outside of minor tweaks to progression and customization.

For years, the Pro Clubs community has requested more robust features such as:

Expanded customization for kits and badges

Seasonal objectives and live events

Better matchmaking tools

While EA has made incremental updates, FC 26 doesn't bring the overhaul many hoped for. Instead, resources appear to be focused on refining Ultimate Team and Career Mode.

5. Women's Ultimate Team Expansion Still in Progress

EA made a big step forward in FC 24 by adding women's football to Ultimate Team, allowing players to mix male and female athletes in one squad. While FC 26 continues this expansion, some major women's leagues and tournaments are still missing at launch.

This incomplete integration shows that EA is taking a gradual approach, likely due to licensing negotiations and balancing gameplay mechanics. Fans of the women's game may have to wait another year or two before it feels fully realized within Ultimate Team.

6. No Classic Icons Outside Ultimate Team

Another omission that frustrates long-time fans is the absence of classic legends in modes outside of Ultimate Team. Players like Ronaldinho, Zidane, and Pelé remain exclusive to FUT, meaning you can't use them in Career Mode or Kick-Off matches.

This approach aligns with EA's monetization model, keeping Icons as highly sought-after Ultimate Team rewards. However, it also limits casual players who simply want to enjoy these footballing greats outside of FUT's competitive structure.

Why These Omissions Make Sense

While these exclusions may sound disappointing, it's important to understand EA's reasoning. Developing a massive sports simulation like FC 26 involves balancing priorities, licensing negotiations, and technical resources. By focusing on gameplay refinement, AI intelligence, and Ultimate Team progression, EA ensures that the core football experience remains as polished as possible.

Omissions like cross-progression or Pro Clubs overhauls may simply reflect development trade-offs. Likewise, missing licenses are often beyond EA's direct control, hinging instead on complex legal agreements.

What Players Can Look Forward To

Despite these gaps, FC 26 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the series. Here are some of the confirmed improvements players can expect:

Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics: Smoother dribbling, smarter defensive AI, and more natural player movement.

Expanded Career Mode: Improved tactical tools, youth development systems, and manager customization.

Ultimate Team Refinements: More balanced pack odds, seasonal promos, and an updated chemistry system.

Licensing Growth: More authentic clubs, leagues, and stadiums compared to FC 24.

These upgrades ensure that, even without certain legacy features, FC 26 remains a strong step forward for the franchise.

Final Thoughts

EA FC 26 is set to deliver a refined football simulation experience, but it's important to acknowledge the features that won't be included at launch. From the lack of a cinematic story mode to missing national teams and the slow growth of Pro Clubs, there are areas where fans may feel let down.

At the same time, EA's focus on balancing gameplay, expanding licenses, and refining Ultimate Team shows a commitment to building a strong foundation for the future. For players worried about the missing elements, it's best to see them as part of the game's evolution, with potential to be added or improved in later updates.

In the meantime, whether you're grinding in Ultimate Team or diving into Career Mode, services like MMOexp will provide guidance and reliable access to FC 26 Coins, helping you build the squad of your dreams from day one.