EA FC 27 will officially launch on September 25, 2026, with Ultimate Plus Edition players getting a one-week head start. Based on current trailers and various sources, we know this season will bring a lot of new content, one of the most controversial being FUT 27's new feature, The Grounds.
This article provides the latest information on The Grounds in FIFA 27 and analyzes why many players are opposed to this new feature.
About The Grounds
The Grounds mode is a major addition to EA Sports FC 27 - an open-world social hub where players can meet, interact, participate in mini-games, experience street football, and customize their avatars. It's currently unclear whether it will require FUT 27 Coins, but it's speculated that it will.
Early preview articles have repeatedly compared this new open-world mode to NBA 2K's City Center. However, based on current information, they are completely different. EA Sports has actually adopted a completely different design philosophy for this social space.
Instead of the ubiquitous concrete jungles, here are three unique districts deeply rooted in the true tradition of football: Parkside, Zeiza, and Montclair. Let's explore them in detail.
Parkside
Bringing the essence of British football to EA FC 27 The Grounds, Parkside vividly showcases the working-class spirit of British football culture. Players can stroll among industrial-era red-brick houses and traditional grass pitches. This neighborhood is full of life and steeped in history.
In addition, the area is dotted with numerous giant murals waiting to be discovered. During your exploration, you might even find a magnificent commemorative trophy honoring Alan Shearer and his unforgettable goal-scoring record.
Furthermore, this district is home to some famous football stars, such as Arsenal star Chloe Kelly, who will guide you through some easy matches and share her joy of playing with her family; and Alex Hunter, who will serve as a mentor, sharing his journey to success within the English football system and helping you build your own legend.
Zeiza
Zeiza, in FIFA 27's The Grounds, embodies Argentine spirit, immersing you in the heart of vibrant South American street culture. The architecture seamlessly blends Latin American and European design elements. Play on dusty, grimy pitches, perfectly capturing the legendary potrero spirit.
In this dynamic neighborhood, your guide is Paulo Dybala, who shares his inspiring story of starting on local Argentine pitches and eventually reaching the top of European football. He will also guide you through exciting, challenging matches and mentor you on how to become a key player for your club.
Montclair
Montclair perfectly showcases the energy of modern French urban street football, featuring towering apartment buildings surrounding a thrilling caged pitch. Run across modern grass and hard asphalt surfaces.
Montclair has nurtured countless world-class football stars, so cover star Kylian Mbappe will personally guide your exploration of Montclair. He'll even take you back to his hometown of Bondy, teaching you pure street football skills on the local pitches.
Furthermore, Kylian Mbappe will test your micro-management and precise ball control, designed to help you improve your creativity in tight spaces.
Exploring these areas is more than just enjoying the scenery while waiting for a match. Each alleyway and shop holds an interactive backstory and specific area objectives. Completing these objectives will reward you with unique cosmetic items and character growth bonuses. These rewards will help you better manage your club.
Whether you want to relax in Parkside or showcase your skills in Montclair, these areas offer unparalleled realism. Based on current information, EA Sports seems to have successfully created a vibrant world that vividly portrays street football culture.
Player Reviews
Currently, opinions on FUT 27 The Grounds mode remain divided within the community.
Supporting Views
Some players appreciate EA's attempt to add a new, large mode to EA Sports FC series,
believing it to be an interesting expansion that adds a social element to the football simulation experience and has the potential to create a more natural and interconnected environment for Club Mode and Rush Mode.
Opposing Views
Just recently, someone with over a decade of experience developing games for FIFA and EA Sports FC posted that The Grounds, this open-world social hub, was one of the worst projects he had ever worked on. This sparked a strong reaction within the player community.
Many question whether The Grounds mode truly needs to be open-world. As one observer pointed out, these activities could be easily implemented through traditional menus without requiring a fully explorable 3D space.
They believe it will distract players from improvements to the core gameplay and worry that it will ultimately become a promotional tool and monetization platform rather than a substantial addition to the game itself.
Microtransactions
One common concern among players is that The Grounds mode's primary purpose is to monetize through cosmetic microtransactions. This open-world game offers customizable avatars with branded apparel, including jerseys from real clubs like Liverpool.
Players naturally suspect these cosmetic items require additional payment, viewing it as a way to extract money from players.
This concludes our analysis of player feedback regarding EA FC 27 The Grounds. Currently, we don't know the full picture of this feature; the final outcome will only be revealed upon the game's release. Let's look forward to it!
Marketing
