With FM 25 canceled, FC 26 has an open pitch and a ready audience. If EA Sports is willing to FC 26 Coins innovate and take Career Mode seriously, it can finally elevate this mode from a side feature to the crown jewel of football gaming. The pieces are all there—now it’s time to put them together.

How FC 26 Can Become the Ultimate Football Management Game After FM 25’s Exit

The cancellation of Football Manager 25 has left a noticeable gap in the football management genre. For years, Football Manager has set the gold standard for tactical depth, realism, and control. With its absence, EA Sports has a unique chance to evolve its Career Mode in FC 26 into a serious football management alternative. However, doing so will require more than minor tweaks—it will require a reimagining of how EA approaches simulation and authenticity.

Start with Realistic Budget Dynamics

One of the most frustrating omissions from recent EA titles is the removal of budget negotiation features that used to be standard in older FIFA games. In FIFA 15 and 16, players could approach the board to request extra funds for transfers, making strategic promises in exchange. This feature added tension and realism to transfer windows and reflected the pressures real-life managers face.

In FC 26, budget negotiation needs to make a comeback. To ensure balance, it should be tied to buy EA FC 26 Coins trust levels with the board and past performance. If you’ve won trophies or exceeded expectations, you should earn leverage in those discussions. This mechanic wouldn’t just improve realism—it would give Career Mode more narrative texture.