EA Sports is preparing an unprecedented transformation for FC 27, a change that could become one of the most controversial and anticipated innovations in FIFA history.
With numerous leaks and official information surfacing, the rumored open-world mode, The Grounds, has moved from a player-created concept to reality.

If confirmed, FC 27 will be EA's first sports game to introduce an open-world social experience. EZG will guide you through the details already revealed.
Trademark Revealed
Public information shows that EA Sports filed a trademark application for FC The Grounds on January 23, 2026. The trademark uses the letter FC with a triangular design, paired with The Grounds logo, consistent with EA's style.
This is EA's first official confirmation of the project's existence, signifying that the open-world football experience has entered a substantial development phase. Multiple media outlets have reported that FC 27 The Grounds will be similar to The City in NBA 2K series and the open community mode in WWE 2K.
You'll no longer simply switch between Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Kick-Off modes via menus; instead, you'll be able to enter a freely explorable online world, interact with other players, and participate in various football-related activities.
Gameplay Introduction
Based on currently available information, The Grounds is not just a traditional lobby system, but a continuously online football open-world social space. EA FC 27 has stated that they are creating a completely new gaming experience - a virtual open-world playground that allows you to participate in competitive and leisure activities with friends and the global football community.
In The Grounds, you can freely explore the entire city, get a new hairstyle at the barbershop, acquire personalized clothing at the clothing store, or enter the gym to improve your character's abilities.
Meanwhile, a rich character customization system will be one of the core elements of FIFA 27 The Grounds, allowing you to create a unique virtual avatar through clothing, appearance, and various personalization options. However, EA has not yet confirmed whether these features will use FC 27 Coins or other open-world currencies.
For Pro Clubs players, the existing FIFA character progression system will probably be deeply integrated with The Grounds. Character levels, progression, and personalization will all be continued and showcased in the open world, forging a closer connection between your club career and FUT 27 open-world experience.
Beyond character progression, The Grounds will offer a wealth of social and entertainment content, including street football matches, mini-games, and various community events. You can increase your personal reputation level by participating in different gameplay modes, gradually unlocking new areas, rewards, and exclusive content.
According to media reports, several areas in EA FC 27's open world will be designed with inspiration from real-world football culture, including football powerhouses like France, Argentina, and England. Each area boasts unique architectural styles, activities, and a football atmosphere, allowing you to experience the immersive feeling of different national football cultures during your exploration.
Meanwhile, The Grounds will also serve as a crucial hub for player interaction. You can not only team up with friends in real-time but also meet players from around the world, participate in casual matches or more challenging competitive games, build your football reputation as you progress, and gradually become a star player in the open world.
Alex Hunter Returns
Besides the open world itself, another exciting piece of news for veteran FIFA players is the official return of Alex Hunter. For many players, Alex Hunter is one of the most iconic original characters in FIFA history.
In 2016, FIFA 17 introduced The Journey mode, telling the story of young player Alex Hunter's journey from the streets of London to becoming a world-class star. The story begins with a penalty shootout in southwest London and unfolds as Alex Hunter and his friend Gareth Walker enter National Football Academy.
Here, Alex Hunter competes with his best friend and future rival, Gareth Walker, striving to impress Premier League scouts. The subsequent three games continued to follow his professional career.
However, with the conclusion of FIFA 19, The Journey officially ended. Now, Alex Hunter will return to EA FUT 27 after eight years, becoming a key character in The Grounds mode.
FUT 27 has not yet released specific details, but it is widely speculated that Alex Hunter will be one of the core NPCs in the open world. Alex Hunter may appear as a mentor, quest giver, or story guide, helping new players familiarize themselves with the open-world system.
For veteran players who experienced The Journey era, this is undoubtedly a nostalgic surprise.
A Shift in Concept
For the entire NES series, The Grounds is more than just a new gameplay mode; it represents a shift in FIFA's philosophy. For over a decade, the core experience of EA's football games has always revolved around the pitch. Whether it's Career Mode, Ultimate Team, or Pro Club, the focus has primarily been on the match itself.
FC 27 The Grounds attempts to extend the football game beyond the pitch. EA hopes to learn from the experience of other successful sports games, creating a social space where players can stay for an extended period, increasing the game's social and entertainment value.
With the end of EA's long-term partnership with FIFA, the development team gained greater creative freedom. Breaking free from the traditional football simulation framework, EA can experiment with more socially oriented gameplay, and The Grounds represents this strategic shift.
While EA has not yet revealed the full gameplay of The Grounds, the disclosed information suggests that this mode may become the most important innovation in NES series in recent years. If EA can successfully resolve issues such as server stability, player density, content updates, and open-world event design, The Grounds could become a breakthrough in the football game genre.
For players looking for a fresh experience, FC 27 may be more than just a football game; it could be a long-term online virtual community centered on football culture, and The Grounds could very well be EA's first step towards that goal.











