The latest instalment of the world's premier football franchise, EA Sports FC, has finally locked in its release date.

Electronic Arts (EA) pulled the curtain back on the 24th, revealing the first gameplay footage for EA Sports FC 27 (FC 27) and confirming a global launch on 25th September. The publisher also announced that Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham will grace the cover of the FC 27 Ultimate Plus Edition. Mbappe will feature on the covers of all three editions, while this marks the third time Bellingham has been tapped as a cover star. It is the first time the two teammates have shared the spotlight on the cover together.

FC 27 aims to refine the overall gameplay experience by incorporating feedback from its global community. The new social mode, 'The Grounds', offers a space ranging from casual kick-abouts to competitive matches, allowing players to explore various zones and develop their players. The Career Mode transfer market has also seen an overhaul; it now utilises the real-world football transfer platform TransferRoom to create a more realistic system that accounts for player valuation, club finances, and potential. Furthermore, FUT will introduce the 'FUT Gallery', where players can complete collections to earn rewards.

In terms of gameplay, the developers have polished the corner kick system, offensive AI positioning, and defensive AI balance to deliver a more natural flow. The game boasts an expansive license portfolio, featuring over 800 clubs and national teams, 130+ stadiums, 35+ leagues, and more than 21,000 real-world players.

Jon Shepherd, Vice President and General Manager of EA Sports FC, stated, "FC 27 is designed so that every player can enjoy football in a greater variety of ways." The executive added, "Beyond gameplay improvements based on community feedback, we wanted to expand the ways players engage with each other through the FUT Gallery, the revamped Career Mode transfer market, and the new social mode, The Grounds."