Electronic Arts unveiled The Grounds, a new open-world game mode for EA Sports FC 27, in a video published on August 4, 2026. The mode goes beyond the game's previous formats by offering a social football world where players can meet friends and take on new challenges.
The Grounds will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2. It works as a central space where up to 100 players can gather at once, meet friends, take part in various events, play mini games and access the Clubs mode directly.
The mode is built around a hub called The Terrace, which connects three separate regions shaped by different football cultures. Montclair draws on French city football for a metropolitan atmosphere, Zeiza reflects Argentina's Potrero football culture, and Parkside is based on England's working-class football heritage. Match types across the areas include 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 and 11v11. EA said The Grounds will keep expanding throughout the year with new seasons and live updates.
Small-sided matches and mini games
A new Small-sided mode offers 1v1, 2v2 and 3v3 Rush matches within the world, each lasting just three minutes for a faster pace than the standard 11v11 format.
The Grounds also mixes football with other game types through several activities, including Bocce Ball, Team Keepaway, The Big Race, Attacking Scenarios, Bucket Ball, Balloon Ball and Goal Control.
Changes to Clubs progression
Clubs mode is also getting a reworked character development system. All archetypes will be unlocked from the start, and players will be able to switch between them for free at any time. Players will no longer need to reset an entire build to change a single attribute, and can instead edit individual traits and apply the changes immediately from The Grounds, The Clubhouse, or directly in match lobbies.
