Full Breakdown
Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham Headline EA Sports FC 27 Cover Reveal
7/24/2026, 1:13:23 PM
Core Event – Cover Stars and Release Details
Electronic Arts announced that EA SPORTS FC 27 will launch worldwide on September 25, 2026. The standard and Ultimate editions feature Kylian Mbappé on the cover; a limited-time Ultimate Plus Edition adds Jude Bellingham as a co-cover star. Early access for Ultimate and Ultimate Plus buyers begins on September 18, 2026, with a seven-day trial for EA Play members. The Ultimate Plus Edition, available only through August 31, bundles up to 10,000 FC Points across five monthly drops, Premium Passes for Seasons 1-5, and a Hall of FUT Player Pick.
Background & Context
Mbappé previously appeared on the FIFA cover in 2021-2023, marking his first appearance on an EA Sports FC title after the licence shift. Since joining Real Madrid in 2024, he has finished as La Liga’s top scorer in each season and captured the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Golden Boot with 15 goals. Internationally, he won the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, overtaking Lionel Messi as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
Data & Statistics
- 10,000 FC Points offered in the Ultimate Plus Edition (redeemable by June 1, 2027; points forfeited after September 26, 2027).
- Game modes span 21,000+ players, 800+ clubs, 130+ stadiums, and 35+ leagues, including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, Bundesliga, LALIGA EA SPORTS, and women’s competitions.
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. The new “The Grounds” mode is limited to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Switch 2.
Official Statements & Responses
EA’s Vice President of Franchise Strategy and Marketing, Jeff Sharma, highlighted Mbappé’s “defining” status and the partnership’s longevity. EA also reiterated its policy that FC Points must be obtained through official channels, warning that unauthorized purchases can trigger sanctions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on platform availability for the new “The Grounds” mode: some note it runs only on next-gen consoles, PC and Switch 2, while earlier announcements did not specify exclusions for PS4, Xbox One or the original Switch. No further clarification has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To be featured on the cover of an EA Sports FC title for the first time is a very special moment for me,” — Kylian Mbappé
- “We’re thrilled to welcome Kylian back to the franchise as the cover star of EA SPORTS FC 27,” — Jeff Sharma, Vice President, Franchise Strategy and Marketing at EA SPORTS FC
- “I'm very proud to be featured across three editions of EA SPORTS FC 27, and to share the Ultimate Plus Edition cover alongside my Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham,” — Kylian Mbappé
- “Every time I’ve had the chance to be part of EA SPORTS FC, it’s been a special moment, and coming back for a third cover alongside Kylian is no different.” — Jude Bellingham
What’s Next
- July 23, 2026 – First gameplay trailer released.
- September 18, 2026 – Early access begins for Ultimate and Ultimate Plus editions.
- September 25, 2026 – Worldwide launch of EA SPORTS FC 27.
- June 1, 2027 – Deadline to complete FC Points redemption.
- September 26, 2027 – Points not redeemed by this date will be forfeited.
