EA Sports FC 26: How to Play With Friends and Use Crossplay
Even better, EA FC 26 supports crossplay, letting players on different platforms compete together. Whether you’re on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC, you can link up with friends and play almost any multiplayer mode together. Having lots of FC 26 Coins makes playing easier. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the ways you can play with friends in EA FC 26, how crossplay works, and how to turn it off if you’d prefer to stick to same-platform matches.
Playing With Friends Online
Most players will want to hop online when teaming up with friends in EA FC 26. The game offers a variety of modes that support both co-op and head-to-head play. Here’s how they work:
Ultimate Team
Ultimate Team is the most popular mode in EA FC 26, and it comes with several options for playing with friends.
Co-Op Matches: When browsing game modes in Ultimate Team, look for tiles labeled “Solo or Co-Op”. This means you can invite a friend to join your squad and take on AI opponents or other players online. It’s a great way to test team chemistry and try new tactics together.
Play vs Friend: If you’d rather settle the debate of who has the better squad, head to the “Play vs Friend” tab in the Play menu. From here, you can invite your friend directly, set the match parameters, and prove once and for all who’s the Ultimate Team champion.
Co-Op Seasons
Not into Ultimate Team? Co-Op Seasons might be more your style. From the main menu, select this mode and invite a friend to start fresh or continue an existing season together. You’ll take control of real-world clubs and battle other pairs of players online, trying to rack up wins and earn promotions through the divisions.
Clubs (Formerly Pro Clubs)
If you and your friends want a fully team-oriented experience, Clubs is where the fun really kicks off. Here, up to 11 players can each control a single player on the pitch. Together, you’ll build a club, develop your pro’s skills, and climb the divisions against other full squads. This mode is all about coordination and teamwork, and it’s easily one of the most rewarding ways to play EA FC 26 with friends.
Playing Couch Co-Op With Friends
Sometimes, nothing beats sitting down with a friend in the same room and grabbing a controller. EA FC 26 still supports classic couch co-op, though the options are more limited compared to online play.
Kick Off Mode: This is the go-to option for local matches. You and your friend pick your favorite clubs or national teams and jump straight into a quick match.
House Rules: Want to spice things up? Use House Rules to create custom variations, like survival matches where you lose a player after scoring, or no-rules games where anything goes.
While couch co-op doesn’t have the progression of online modes, it’s still the perfect way to enjoy some lighthearted competition or practice with a buddy.
Adding Friends for Crossplay Multiplayer
To make the most of crossplay, you’ll first need to connect with your friends using EA’s online system. Here’s how:
Open the EA Connect Menu: On Xbox, press RT; on PlayStation, press R2.
Find “Player Search”: Navigate to this tab and select “Add Friend.”
Use Your EA ID: On the right-hand side of the screen, you’ll see your EA ID. Share this with your friend so they can add you, or enter their EA ID to send a request.
Invite to Play: Once you’ve accepted the friend request, you can invite them from your friends list when selecting any compatible multiplayer mode.
From there, it’s as simple as choosing “Play with a Friend” and getting into the match. Whether you’re competing head-to-head or teaming up, crossplay makes it seamless.
Pro tip: when you’re in on goal, try using a low-driven shot for more consistent finishes—and consider picking some of the game’s fastest players to gain an edge in multiplayer matches.
How to Turn Off Crossplay
While crossplay is a fantastic feature, some players prefer to stick with same-platform opponents to avoid potential connection issues. If that’s you, here’s how to disable it:
From the main menu, click the settings icon in the top-left corner.
Navigate to “Online Settings.”
Select “Matchmaking Options.”
Look for the “Cross-Play Enabled” option and toggle it off.
Once disabled, matchmaking will only pair you with players on the same platform (Xbox vs Xbox, PlayStation vs PlayStation, PC vs PC). If you change your mind later, simply return to this menu and turn crossplay back on.
Important note: crossplay does not work across console generations. That means someone on an Xbox Series X|S cannot play with a friend on PlayStation 4, even if crossplay is enabled. Additionally, if you turn off crossplay, you won’t be able to connect with friends on other platforms—even if you’ve already added them via EA Connect.
Final Thoughts
EA Sports FC 26 makes it easier than ever to enjoy football with friends, whether they’re across the globe or sitting right next to you. With modes like Ultimate Team, Co-Op Seasons, and Clubs, there are plenty of ways to share the pitch. Crossplay adds even more flexibility. Having enough Fut 26 Coins can make the game more flexible. breaking down platform barriers and keeping the competition alive.
So, grab your controller, send that invite, and get ready to settle the score—or climb the ranks together. Just don’t forget to celebrate your goals in style.
