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0FC 26 Patch Notes Leak: Huge Changes to Goalkeepers, AI Runs, and Defensive Patch.
Grayson Edwards
- ✅ Improved Goalkeepers
- ✅ Improved AI Attacking Runs
- ✅ Improved Passing & Crossing Aim
- ✅ Improved Wingers Running Into Space
- ⚠️ Nerfed Defending AI Marking
- ⚠️ Nerfed Rainbow Flick Volley
- ⚠️ Nerfed Short Corners
- 🔧 Fixes a Lot of Bugs
- Too Many Patches
EA SPORTS FC 26 is set to receive a new title update soon, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most impactful patches of the year. From smarter goalkeepers to rebalanced attacking and defensive AI, this update promises to enhance gameplay fluidity and reduce some frustrating exploits seen across online and offline modes.
Let’s break down everything confirmed so far, including the gameplay improvements, nerfs, and quality-of-life fixes EA is bringing to the pitch.
✅ Improved Goalkeepers
One of the most noticeable changes in the upcoming FC 26 update will be the improvement of goalkeepers. Many players have complained about inconsistent saves, especially in one-on-one situations or long-range strikes that slipped through too easily. EA has listened, and this patch will make keepers more reactive, smarter with positioning, and better at handling powerful shots.
This tweak aims to restore balance between attackers and defenders, reducing those frustrating moments when goalkeepers misjudge simple saves. Expect goalies to react faster to finesse shots, block more near-post attempts, and use their hands more efficiently when closing down strikers.
✅ Improved AI Attacking Runs
AI movement has been a major topic in the FC community, and this update finally brings improvements to attacking runs. EA has refined how AI players read space, meaning your forwards and midfielders will make more intelligent, realistic runs into dangerous areas. Whether you’re playing Career Mode, Clubs, or Ultimate Team, expect smoother link-up play and better off-the-ball movement.
This will make build-up play more dynamic and rewarding. Players should notice fewer instances of attackers standing idle during counters, as the AI will now better anticipate through balls and overlaps. Overall, this change could make attacking football in FC 26 more fluid than ever.
✅ Improved Passing & Crossing Aim
Precision is key in football, and EA is polishing that aspect by improving passing and crossing aim. In previous builds, players often noticed passes veering off target or crosses sailing to the wrong player, even with perfect power and direction. The update refines player targeting, giving you greater control and reliability in tight situations.
This improvement will especially shine in high-press scenarios, where accurate passing is vital for escaping pressure. Crosses from wide areas will also be more responsive, rewarding skilled players who time their deliveries correctly. Expect more natural ball physics and consistent pass weight across different game modes.
✅ Improved Wingers Running Into Space
Another gameplay tweak that stands out is the improvement to wingers running into space. EA wants to make wide play more relevant again encouraging dynamic runs and positional awareness from your wide players. This change should open up new attacking patterns, making it easier to stretch defenses and exploit gaps.
In FC 26’s current meta, wingers sometimes hesitate to make diagonal runs or fail to react to through balls quickly enough. This fix ensures they move intelligently along the flanks and cut inside when necessary. It’s a welcome upgrade for those who rely on pacey wingers and wide creativity to unlock defenses.
⚠️ Nerfed Defending AI Marking
Defensive AI marking has been a point of frustration for many attacking players, and EA is toning it down to make defending more skill-based. The update reduces how aggressively the AI auto-tracks attackers, giving human-controlled defenders a more active role in maintaining shape and positioning.
This change will make 1v1 defending more realistic and rewarding. Players who rely heavily on AI assistance will need to adapt and engage manually to prevent goals. It’s a smart step toward balancing gameplay, especially in competitive modes where defensive auto-marking felt overpowering.
⚠️ Nerfed Rainbow Flick Volley
The Rainbow Flick Volley has been a flashy yet overly effective trick in recent weeks, often resulting in unstoppable goals. EA’s next update will nerf this mechanic, toning down both the accuracy and power of the volley that follows the flick. This ensures the move remains a stylish skill option rather than an overpowered scoring exploit.
Players will now need to use better timing and positioning to pull off highlight-worthy goals. It’s still possible to score with flair, but this change ensures such moments feel special rather than routine restoring a fairer balance between creativity and consistency in attacking play.
⚠️ Nerfed Short Corners
Set-piece specialists will also notice that short corners have been nerfed. Many players had mastered a meta where quick short corners almost guaranteed a cross or shot from an unmarked position. EA has adjusted defensive reactions and marking logic to counter this exploit.
This means defenders will close down quicker, and goalkeepers will better anticipate incoming crosses from short corner situations. The result should be a more competitive and realistic corner experience, encouraging players to diversify their set-piece tactics instead of relying on the same trick repeatedly.
🔧 Fixes a Lot of Bugs
Alongside all these gameplay adjustments, the FC 26 update will fix numerous bugs and glitches that have affected overall performance. These fixes will target everything from matchmaking issues and animation errors to minor gameplay inconsistencies that have plagued certain modes.
Expect smoother transitions, reduced input lag, and more stable online sessions after the update drops. EA continues to refine FC 26 through regular updates, and this one looks to be a major step in improving the overall quality of gameplay across all platforms.
Too Many Patches
This FC 26 update looks like one of the most balanced and thoughtful patches EA has rolled out in recent memory. By improving core mechanics like passing, movement, and goalkeeping while nerfing overpowered exploits, the developers are clearly aiming for a fairer, more skill-based experience. But there have been about 3 patches so far, which is really alarming for a relatively new game.
Whether you’re grinding Ultimate Team, building your player in Clubs, or managing your squad in Career Mode, these changes promise to make every match feel smoother, more authentic, and more rewarding. EA SPORTS FC 26 is evolving, and this update might just make it the best football experience yet.
We will share more updates on FC 26 in separate articles. If you found this information helpful or would like to learn more, please explore the other articles on our site.
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