In the future, all games will be open world. Even sports games. Especially sports games. With NBA 2K and WWE 2K having added open world modes, EA Sports wants some of that money. Justia Trademarks shows that EA has registered the name FC The Grounds, presumably for the open world mode we've been hearing about for months now.
The registration includes a description of the log for FC The Grounds:
"The mark consists of the stylized letters ''FC'' set in a triangular shape tilted on an angle, with a small triangle at the left corner and the words ''THE GROUNDS'' in stylized letters."
As I said, details about this mode started leaking in 2025 but this is solid confirmation that this is happening, probably in EA Sports FC 27. According to Football Gaming Zone, the open world will have explorable regions called Districts, with each one themed around a nation known as a football powerhouse. They will offer dedicated social experiences and football-focused minigames.
I'll be surprised if they don't copy large portions of NBA 2K's homework here, as that game is the standard bearer in this arena. As much as I loathe these modes and the way they are constantly reaching for wallets, I admit NBA 2K's The City has some very enjoyable modes.
They are, of course, largely tied into MyTeam and the rewards for that. I freely admit that's where I spend the most of my time in NBA 2K. The loop is addictive. And yes, I spend most of my FC 26 time in Ultimate Team. Oh god, I'm the problem.