FC 26 Pitch Notes 1.3.0 - Holiday Update
The FC 26 community has been eagerly waiting for Update 1.3.0, and the massive Holiday Update has officially arrived with some of the most requested gameplay adjustments of the year. At the top of the list is a major overhaul to goalkeeper movement, addressing months of feedback about manual keeper speed, coverage, and unrealistic rushing behavior. These targeted tweaks aim to create a more balanced and authentic experience in open play while improving reactions to first-time shots to better match real-world goalkeeping.
EA Sports FC 26 has also acknowledged ongoing concerns surrounding AI defending, an area players have repeatedly flagged as overly strong or overly automated. In this update, the team confirms that AI defending is under active review, with further internal testing underway and more adjustments planned. This transparency signals that FC 26 is committed to keeping defensive gameplay fair, responsive, and skill based as the title continues to evolve.
Update 1.3.0 brings new features, progression upgrades, and visual enhancements across Career Mode, Clubs, Rush, and Kick Off, but the goalkeeper movement changes and AI defending status update stand out as the biggest gameplay shaping improvements in this much anticipated FC 26 Holiday Update.
Goalkeeper Movement Update in FC 26
Goalkeeper mechanics receive targeted tuning based on player feedback, dramatically affecting open-play situations and defensive reliability.
- Manual Goalkeeper Movement now has greatly reduced movement speed and covers less ground in open play.
- Goalkeeper Rush To Center has been removed from open play.
- Improved reactions to first-time shots
These adjustments aim to provide a more realistic goalkeeper experience and improved balance across FC 26 gameplay.
FC 26 Improvements Across Game Modes
The update also rolls out enhancements designed to improve flexibility, progression, and overall quality of life for players.
Career Mode
- Continued expansion with weekly Live Challenges, Live Start Points, and Snapshots
- Improvements to functionality and overall usability
Career Mode in FC 26 grows further with new ways to progress, engage with weekly content, and navigate the mode more smoothly.
Clubs
Major progression upgrades arrive with the FC 26 Holiday Update:
- Archetype Max Level increased from 60 > 75
- AXP Instant Boosts now usable up to Level 40
- New customizable PlayStyle slot added
- A new signature PlayStyle that upgrades into PlayStyle+ at Level 75
These changes give FC 26 Clubs players deeper customization, faster progression, and a more rewarding endgame.
Rush
- New Rush Rematch feature added, letting you vote to stay together and keep playing with your current group even in drop-in matches
- Players can opt in to move forward as a group or opt out to return to menus
- Full groups return to the lobby if a player doesn’t opt in before the timer expires
- Feature will be available shortly after the Holiday Update
This new FC 26 Rush feature strengthens team cohesion and makes matchmaking smoother for players enjoying drop-in sessions.
Classic XI in Kick Off
The Holiday Update introduces 10 classic teams to Kick Off, letting you relive iconic football moments.
AI Defending – Status Update
AI defending continues to be a major discussion point among FC 26 players.
We’ve seen your feedback around AI defending, especially cases where it can feel too strong. Teams are actively testing further AI defending changes internally.
We’ll keep listening to feedback and aim to share an update or apply changes. Don’t forget you can continue to submit your feedback on this topic here on Discord and Player Feedback Portal.
Visual Updates in FC 26
- 7 new player star heads and 1 updated manager star head added
- Festive menu refresh coming, featuring falling snow and holiday-themed visuals
- Improved player likenesses across leagues and clubs, including Jarrod Bowen, Granit Xhaka, Jack Harrison, and Rayan Aït-Nouri, following a server release after the Holiday Update
You can find the full official patch notes directly on the HERE: https://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-26/news/pitch-notes-fc26-holiday-update
