EA has provided a detailed first look at EA Sports FC 27 gameplay, revealing significant changes to attacking movement, defending, dribbling, passing and set pieces ahead of the game's September launch.

Player feedback appears to have played an important role in this year's development. Rather than simply adding new features, EA is adjusting several core systems to give players more control while improving the intelligence of AI-controlled footballers.

Smarter Attacking Runs in FC 27
Attacking movement is one of the biggest areas of improvement. FC 27 introduces better spatial awareness, allowing players to recognize and attack open spaces more naturally.

Key changes include:

• More decisive contextual attacking runs
• Improved offside awareness
• New curved run options
• Updated Pass and Follow controls
• Less assisted through balls

Attackers should now be better at adjusting their movement around the defensive line. Instead of simply sprinting forward and drifting offside, players can slow down, curve or check their runs when necessary.

The new Pass and Follow mechanic also provides another way to create combinations. After making a pass, players can immediately move into available space, making one-twos and quick attacking sequences easier to construct.

AI Defending Becomes Less Automatic
Defending is receiving substantial changes as EA attempts to reduce reliance on automatic AI actions.

AI-controlled defenders will perform fewer automatic tackles. Instead, they are more likely to position themselves between the attacker and goal while waiting for the user to make the decisive defensive action.

At the same time, manual defending has received several improvements:

• Increased manual tackling range
• Better possession retention after interceptions
• Faster jockey movement
• More fluid defensive animations
• Reduced distance when jockeying attackers

The changes should reward players who actively control defenders rather than depending heavily on AI assistance.

Crosses and Corners Get a Major Overhaul
Set pieces are another important focus for FC 27.

Corners now feature a two-step dynamic system. After powering up the delivery, players can switch control to a footballer inside the penalty area and manually position them to attack the incoming ball.

Deep free kicks use a similar approach.

Crossing is also becoming more manual, with direction and power having a greater influence on where the ball travels. Crosses can be played into open space rather than automatically targeting a specific attacker, potentially making wide attacking play more flexible.

Messi-Inspired Off-Balance Dribbling
EA is also introducing an interesting new dribbling mechanic inspired by Lionel Messi.

Players with at least 85 Dribbling can maintain better control when being pushed off balance by a defender. If the defender fails to complete the tackle, the attacker may be able to recover and continue carrying the ball.

This could make technically gifted players significantly more dangerous in tight areas, particularly around the penalty box.

Several new skill moves are also being added, including:

• Stepover combinations
• Fake Turn
• Ball Roll Spin
• Kneel Header

Authentic Gameplay Gets More Realistic
Authentic Gameplay, introduced in FC 26 for offline experiences such as Career Mode, is being expanded for FC 27.

EA says the updated version should provide smarter and less predictable opponents, more realistic movement and additional customization options.

One-on-one situations have also been adjusted to favor attackers slightly more, while PlayStyles are receiving another balance pass.

Through balls, meanwhile, require more accurate manual aiming, which could reduce the effectiveness of repeatedly launching assisted passes behind defensive lines.

FC 26 Ultimate Team Continues Ahead of FC 27
Although FC 27 is quickly becoming the main focus, FC 26 Ultimate Team still has an active player base ahead of the transition to the new title. Late-cycle content gives players opportunities to experiment with different squads, complete challenges and try high-rated cards before starting again in FC 27.

For players looking for additional Ultimate Team resources, 6cce.com offers affordable FUT 26 Coins and other football gaming products. With competitive pricing and a convenient purchasing process, the platform provides another option for players looking to continue strengthening their FC 26 squads before the next game arrives.

FC 27 Pre-Orders and Early Access
EA Sports FC 27 is currently available to pre-order in three editions:

• Standard Edition
• Ultimate Edition
• Ultimate Plus Edition

The Standard Edition is the least expensive option at £64.99, while both Ultimate editions include seven days of early access.

Kylian Mbappé features on the Standard and Ultimate Edition covers, while Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham joins him on the Ultimate Plus artwork.

FC 27 Looks to Give Players More Control
The early gameplay details suggest that EA's main goal with FC 27 is to make player decisions more important.

Less automatic defending, more manual crossing and through balls, intelligent attacking runs and improved dribbling could all contribute to a more skill-based experience. Meanwhile, the improvements to Authentic Gameplay should give Career Mode and other offline players a more realistic alternative.

With more information expected before launch, attention will now turn to how these changes perform in actual matches—and which new mechanics ultimately shape the EA Sports FC 27 meta.