Football is the world's game. 

Bringing that experience into EA SPORTS FC means more for those across our studio teams. It means bringing fans closer to the drama, intensity, and passion of international football across EA SPORTS FC 26 and FC Mobile by making history playable through  EA SPORTS FC™ 26: THE WORLD'S GAME.

Today, players can celebrate the summer of international football with a new 48-team international tournament mode. Take on international-themed Manager Live Challenges, experience weekly Festival of Football campaigns in Football Ultimate Team™, and more.

But The World's Game didn't come together on its own. It was shaped by passionate people across EA SPORTS FC who worked together to bring the excitement of international football to players around the world. We spoke with some of the team members behind the experience to learn more about their roles, their collaboration, and what the project means to them.

"The World's Game mode truly represents our global fanbase and the world of football."

The World’s Game, built by an international team

Creating an international football experience inspired by the global game required hundreds of people working across development, content, authenticity, production, and partnerships. 

But building an authentic international football experience took more than technical skill. It took passionate people contributing different perspectives, ideas, and experiences.

One of those people is Mihai Adamescu, a Producer who helped bring teams together across the globe and throughout the development process.

"At some point, you forget where people are located. You just know you're working as one team,” says Mihai. “The latest release is the best example of the complexity and size at which our larger team can deliver through the lifecycle of FC.”

For Mihai, that global collaboration is part of what makes The World's Game special. Teams across multiple disciplines worked together to create an experience that celebrates international football while giving players new ways to engage with the sport.

Another key contributor is Chrisoula Motamed, Manager, FC Franchise Activation, whose work focused on helping connect the experience to the broader world of football.

Inspired by the idea that History is Playable, the team set out to create an experience where fans could celebrate national pride and create their own football stories.

From licensed national teams to authentic kits, players, and stories, authenticity was at the center of every decision.

"Every country has its own footballing story and connection to its fans,” says Chrisoula. “Not many brands can bring the world of football together by working with essentially every national team that's part of this year's international game.”

For Chrisoula, that's what makes the project meaningful. Bringing together teams, partners, and football stories from around the world helped create an experience that reflects the global nature of the sport itself.

"At some point, you forget where people are located. You just know you're working as one team.”

Kickoff to the players

For the team behind The World's Game, success comes down to one thing: giving players a new way to experience the excitement of international football.

Whether they're leading their nation through the tournament, taking on live challenges, or creating unforgettable moments with friends, players are at the center of every decision the team makes.

As international football takes center stage around the world, The World's Game gives fans a chance to write their own stories.

Check out other amazing EA stories on ea.com/news.