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EA Sports FC 26: Unveiling MLS’s Elite — Messi Leads a Star-Studded Cast
Sep
The Major League Soccer (MLS) continues its meteoric rise in global football, with the 2025 transfer windows ushering in an unprecedented influx of world-class talent. As anticipation builds for the release of EA Sports FC 26, fans are buzzing about the highly-coveted player ratings. This year’s roster of top MLS stars promises an exciting virtual experience, reflecting the league’s growing prominence.
The Reigning King: Lionel Messi Still on Top
Despite being 38 years old, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi remains the undisputed king of MLS, securing an impressive 86 overall rating in EA FC 26. His continued dominance underscores his enduring brilliance and the transformative impact he has had on the league since his arrival. However, the gap is closing, with several marquee summer signings hot on his heels.
New Arrivals Making a Splash
The 2025 season witnessed a significant injection of talent, with six of the top 26 players making their MLS debut. Among the most notable new faces are LAFC’s Son Heung-min, who immediately claims the second-highest rating at 85, and Inter Miami’s Rodrigo De Paul, rated 84. Vancouver Whitecaps FC also made a significant statement with the acquisition of German legend Thomas Müller, who boasts an 80 rating.
The Top 26 MLS Players in EA FC 26
Here’s a comprehensive look at the elite players leading the charge in EA FC 26, showcasing the blend of established MLS veterans and exciting new blood:
| Player | Rating | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 86 | Inter Miami |
| Son Heung-min | 85 | LAFC |
| Rodrigo De Paul | 84 | Inter Miami |
| Thomas Müller | 80 | Vancouver Whitecaps |
| Sergio Busquets | 80 | Inter Miami |
| Riqui Puig | 80 | LA Galaxy |
| Denis Bouanga | 79 | LAFC |
| Hany Mukhtar | 79 | Nashville SC |
| Luis Suárez | 79 | Inter Miami |
| Marco Reus | 79 | LA Galaxy |
| Evander | 79 | FC Cincinnati |
| Emil Forsberg | 79 | New York Red Bulls |
| Carles Gil | 79 | New England Revolution |
| Jordi Alba | 78 | Inter Miami |
| Hirving Lozano | 78 | San Diego FC |
| Cristian Arango | 78 | San Jose Earthquakes |
| Alexey Miranchuk | 78 | Atlanta United |
| Ryan Gauld | 78 | Vancouver Whitecaps |
| Anders Dreyer | 77 | San Diego FC |
| Pep Biel | 77 | Charlotte FC |
| Wilfried Zaha | 77 | Charlotte FC |
| Hugo Lloris | 77 | LAFC |
| Roman Bürki | 77 | LAFC |
| Kévin Denkey | 77 | FC Cincinnati |
| Hugo Cuypers | 77 | Chicago Fire |
| Jonathan Bamba | 77 | Chicago Fire |
The Impact of Expansion: San Diego FC’s Debut
The 2025 MLS season marked a significant milestone with the introduction of San Diego FC as the league’s 30th team. This expansion has not only broadened the league’s geographical reach but also contributed to the overall quality of play and the star power reflected in the FC ratings. New signings like Hirving Lozano (78) and Anders Dreyer (77) for San Diego FC highlight the immediate impact of the new franchise.
Veteran Stars Maintain Their Stature
While new talent dominates the headlines, several established MLS veterans continue to hold their own among the league’s elite. LAFC’s prolific forward Denis Bouanga (79) and Nashville SC’s creative midfielder Hany Mukhtar (79) are prime examples, consistently delivering performances that warrant their high ratings. Their continued presence underscores the depth and quality that has been cultivated within the league over the years.
Expanding the Virtual Stadium Experience
Beyond player ratings, EA FC 26 is also enhancing the immersive experience with the addition of several new MLS stadiums. While iconic venues like Vancouver’s BC Place and Seattle’s Lumen Field have long been staples, 2025 saw the inclusion of LAFC’s BMO Stadium, LA Galaxy’s Dignity Health Sports Park, Atlanta United’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Portland Timbers’ Providence Park, and New York Red Bulls’ Sports Illustrated Stadium.
For 2026, fans can look forward to the addition of Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium. This will likely be a one-year inclusion, as the club is slated to move from their temporary Fort Lauderdale home to the state-of-the-art Miami Freedom Park in Miami for the 2026 MLS season, promising an even more authentic matchday experience for gamers.
The continued investment in player talent and infrastructure signals a bright future for MLS, both on and off the virtual pitch. EA Sports FC 26 promises to be the most realistic and engaging representation of the league yet, allowing fans to experience the excitement of North American soccer like never before.
For more insights into the world of EA Sports FC and player ratings, you can explore external resources like EA Sports FC Official Ratings.
Published 15 Hours Ago by Ben Steiner
Ben Steiner is an American-Canadian journalist with extensive experience covering North American national teams, MLS, CPL, NWSL, NSL, and Liga MX for prominent outlets including MLSsoccer.com, CBC Sports, and OneSoccer. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BenSteiner00.
