How to Preload EA FC 26
The release of EA FC 26 is right around the corner, and players are eager to jump into Ultimate Team as early as possible. Preloading ensures that the game is ready to play the moment servers go live, saving you valuable time on release day. With the global launch set for September 26, 2025, and early access available a week earlier, here’s everything you need to know about preloading EA FC 26 on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Also Read: Top 10 Left Backs in EA FC 26
EA FC 26 Preload Start Dates
Preloads for EA FC 26 are already underway. Owners of the Ultimate Edition gained access to preloading on September 17, 2025, with early access to the full game beginning on September 19. Players with the Standard Edition will be able to start their preloads on September 24, 2025, preparing them for the worldwide release on September 26.
EA FC 26 File Sizes by Platform
The file size of EA FC 26 depends on which platform you’re playing:
PC (Steam, Epic Games, EA App): ~53.1 GB
Xbox Series X/S & Xbox One: ~52.0 GB
PlayStation 5: ~57.3 GB
PlayStation 4: reports suggest a larger install, potentially over 80 GB, but this has not been officially confirmed by EA.
These sizes may shift slightly depending on patches or updates, but they give a reliable estimate of how much storage you’ll need before launch.
Preloading on PC
To preload EA FC 26 on PC, players need to pre-order the game. Once purchased, the preload option becomes available in your chosen launcher. By heading to the game page on Steam, Epic Games, or the EA App, you can confirm your pre-order and then begin downloading the files directly.
Preloading on PlayStation
For PlayStation users, both PS4 and PS5 require a pre-purchase before preload can begin. After buying the game from the PlayStation Store, players should check their Library, where EA FC 26 will appear with a download option. From there, the preload process will begin automatically, ensuring the game is installed ahead of launch.
Preloading on Xbox
On Xbox One and Series X/S, the process is almost identical. After securing a pre-order through the Xbox Store, EA FC 26 appears in your library with a preload option. Selecting this allows the console to begin downloading early, giving you a head start before release day.
Also Read: Best Right Wings in EA FC 26
FAQs About Preloading EA FC 26
Q: Can I preload EA FC 26 without pre-ordering?
A: No, preloading requires a pre-order of either the Standard or Ultimate Edition. Without a purchase, the preload option will not appear.
Q: Does preloading include the day-one patch?
A: Preloading typically installs the base game, and any day-one patches will download automatically once they are released.
Q: When does early access begin for Ultimate Edition owners?
A: Ultimate Edition owners can begin playing EA FC 26 on September 19, 2025, a full week before the global launch.
Q: Why is the file size different across platforms?
A: File sizes vary due to system requirements, optimization, and included assets. For example, PS4 builds tend to be larger due to the use of different compression formats compared to PS5 or PC.
Final Words
Preloading EA FC 26 is the best way to ensure you’re ready to play the moment the servers go live. With file sizes ranging from just over 52 GB on Xbox to potentially more than 80 GB on PS4, downloading in advance saves hours of waiting on launch day. Ultimate Edition players benefit the most, with preload access from September 17 and full early access beginning September 19. Standard Edition owners can start downloading on September 24, positioning them to jump in right away when the worldwide launch arrives on September 26, 2025.
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