EA Sports FC 27 ‘The Grounds’: Everything you need to know about the new mode

In this year's instalment of EA’s Sports FC series, we’re getting a brand new mode called The Grounds, and we’ve learned some exciting details.

Whether you’re a football fan or not, there’s no denying that Electronic Arts’ Sports FC series is one of the most profitable properties in the video game industry, competing with the likes of Call of Duty with its ever-present annual releases.

However, with a new game arriving every year, some accuse the EA Sports FC series (formerly FIFA) of being stale. As such, each year, EA tries to implement something new to keep the series fresh. In 2024, it was the Rush mode, and this year, it’s the aforementioned ‘The Grounds’. But what is The Grounds?

What is The Grounds in EA Sports FC 27?

The Grounds in EA Sports FC 27, Electronic Arts

The Grounds is an open-world, kinda

The Grounds is an open-world social hub, but don't go thinking it's anything like Los Santos or Tamriel. Perhaps, we should think of it more akin to a larger Tower in the Destiny series. In The Grounds, it can house 100 online players at a time, where they can interact, play mini-games and of course, level up their avatar.

The Grounds has RPG levelling up mechanics

Once an avatar is created, players will be able to level it up by playing mini-games such as 5v5 Rush. There will also be other matches alongside Rush, such as 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, as well as more traditional 11v11 match-types. Players can also level up by playing training drill mini-games and objectives set by their mentor.

Some of those mini “Kickabout” games also include new modes: Balloon Ball, Bocce Ball, Bucket Ball, Goal Control, Team Keepaway and The Big Race.

Mentors include the likes of Kylian Mbappé (the main cover star of EA Sports FC 27), Paulo Dybala, Chloe Kelly and Alex Hunter. If the name Alex Hunter rings a bell, he’s the main character from ‘The Journey’ story mode that featured in FIFA 17.

By completing objectives and earning XP, players will not only unlock cosmetics but also stat and ability upgrades, as well as new PlayStyles for their avatar to use in Pro Clubs. Like all modes in EA Sports FC 27, progression will be tied to its Season Pass.

READ MORE: EA Sports FC 27 Ultimate Team: Biggest new features and changes

The Grounds has three districts

The three districts of The Grounds are each inspired by different football cultures. Parkside (a more social aspect) is inspired by English football culture. Montclair (training and development) is inspired by French culture, and Zeiza is a modern high-tech district, inspired by Argentine culture, where the best players compete for top rewards.

The Grounds is tied to Pro Clubs

EA’s new mode will be heavily linked to Pro Clubs, with your avatar essentially appearing and evolving in both modes, as well as levelling up and earning rewards. The best way to think about the connection is that your avatar will do most of its evolving in The Grounds, and then you can use it to compete in Pro Clubs. It will also integrate modes such as Clubs Leagues, Play-Offs, Live Tournaments and more. In some ways, Zeiza is like a gateway to Pro Clubs.

The Grounds will have a live-service formula

Similar to live-service games, The Grounds will have ever-evolving and changing modes and objectives for players to take on to level up their avatar and earn new rewards. There will be new milestones, weekly, seasonal and elite objectives, and events throughout the life cycle of EA Sports FC 27.

Will The Grounds have microtransactions?

Yes, it will, but if you’re familiar with Ultimate Team, this will come as no surprise. However, at this time, EA hasn't fully confirmed what those microtransactions will be. We can assume that there will at least be virtual currency, cosmetics and perhaps XP boosts (of sorts).

Is The Grounds available to everyone?

Not exactly. The Grounds will not be included in the PlayStation 4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch versions of EA Sports FC 27. It’s exclusive to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2.

EA Sports FC 27 will be released on September 25, 2026, on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles.

READ MORE: EA Sports FC 27 Career Mode: Biggest new features and improvements