If you've been searching for FIFA 26 but keep finding EA SPORTS FC 26, you're not alone. Millions of players still refer to EA's football series as "FIFA," even though the franchise officially changed its name in 2023. So, Is EA SPORTS FC the same as FIFA? The short answer is yes—it's the direct continuation of the FIFA series, just under a new name.

This guide breaks down the facts clearly, so you can understand what changed, what stayed the same, and what it means for players.

Is EA SPORTS FC the same as FIFA?

Yes. EA SPORTS FC is essentially FIFA under a new name.

After nearly 30 years of releasing FIFA games, EA ended its licensing partnership with FIFA following FIFA 23. Instead of ending the franchise, EA rebranded it as EA SPORTS FC, starting with EA SPORTS FC 24. The same development teams, gameplay systems, and annual release cycle continued without interruption.

From a player’s perspective, the experience remains familiar—just without the FIFA branding.

Why did EA change the name?

The name change happened because EA and FIFA could not agree on a new licensing deal.

Rather than paying to continue using the FIFA name, EA chose to build its own long-term football brand. This decision allowed EA to maintain control over its game while continuing partnerships with hundreds of clubs, leagues, and players worldwide.

EA FC vs. FIFA: What’s different?

For most players, the differences are minimal and mostly cosmetic. However, EA SPORTS FC is the direct successor to FIFA; the two offer slightly different experiences. Older FIFA games focused on fast-paced, arcade-style football that was easy to pick up, while EA SPORTS FC places greater emphasis on realism, tactics, and live content. If you prefer quick, casual matches, FIFA still has plenty of charm. However, if you want the latest squads, deeper game modes, and constant updates, EA SPORTS FC is the better choice.

If you want the most complete football experience—with updated squads, licensed competitions, Ultimate Team Evolutions, Rush, ongoing live events, and deeper tactical gameplay—EA SPORTS FC is the better choice in 2026. It isn't perfect, and many longtime fans still miss the simplicity of FIFA, but it offers far more content and long-term replayability than any previous entry. 

What stayed the same?

Despite the name change, EA retained licenses with over 300 football partners, including many of the biggest competitions in the world.

You can still play with teams and leagues such as:

• Premier League
• UEFA Champions League
• LaLiga
• Bundesliga
• Serie A
• Ligue 1
• CONMEBOL competitions

This means the core authenticity that defined FIFA games remains intact in EA SPORTS FC.

Also, EA SPORTS FC still includes:

• Ultimate Team
• Career Mode
• Clubs (formerly Pro Clubs)
• VOLTA Football
• Licensed clubs and leagues
• Real players and stadiums
• Annual roster update

Is FIFA making its own football game?

Yes, but it won't be the FIFA game players were used to for the last 30 years.

Since splitting from EA, FIFA has adopted a multi-partner gaming strategy instead of working with a single developer. The organization has already launched FIFA Heroes, a fast-paced 5v5 arcade football game, and partnered with Netflix and Delphi Interactive to release FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, a mobile-focused simulation tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

FIFA has also announced partnerships with companies including Konami, Roblox, SEGA Sports Interactive, Mythical Games, and Epic Games, signaling that the FIFA brand will appear across multiple football experiences rather than a single annual AAA football simulator.

So, if you're expecting a direct competitor to EA SPORTS FC 26, that's not the current plan. Instead, FIFA is building a broader gaming ecosystem with different partners, genres, and platforms rather than recreating the classic FIFA series.

Why do people still call it FIFA?

Simple: habit.

The franchise carried the FIFA name for nearly three decades, so it’s natural that players still refer to it that way. Terms like "FIFA 26" are still widely used in conversations, search engines, and social media—even though the official title is EA SPORTS FC 26.

Should you buy EA SPORTS FC if you liked FIFA?

Yes. If you enjoyed previous FIFA titles, EA SPORTS FC is the direct successor.

You’ll find the same gameplay mechanics, familiar modes, licensed teams, and yearly updates. The overall experience remains consistent, with improvements and refinements added each year.