- Primary Subject: Overview of The Grounds in FC 27.
- Key Update: EA is introducing its first-ever open-world football playground, serving as a unified social hub for Clubs and street-style match activities.
- Status: Officially announced.
- Last Verified: July 25, 2026.
- Quick Answer: The Grounds replaces traditional menu-hopping for social play, allowing players to roam three distinct regional districts, interact with mentors like Kylian Mbappé and Alex Hunter, buy licensed apparel, and jump into mini-games or street matches.
Not exactly a fan-requested feature, but publishers have started to obsess over the idea of open-world in sports games. FC 27 is the latest to follow in the footsteps of NBA 2K's The City and WWE 2K's The Island.
We admit those aren't the examples that'd have anyone excited. But open-world is here in the EA FC franchise for the first time.
Finer details on the mode are yet to be confirmed. However, the recent reveal has given us a good picture of what's possibly in store.
Here's everything you need to know about The Grounds in FC 27.
What is The Grounds in FC 27?
The Grounds is an open-world mode in FC 27. It'll have a shared social space where you can see other players. Wander around the map to complete activities and mini-games and progress your pro.
EA has confirmed that The Grounds will not be available on last-gen consoles. It is only playable on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
Everything Revealed About The Grounds in FC 27
Specific details about The Grounds are still kept under wraps. We only have a very brief idea of the mode and what it'll bring.
At its core, it is an open-world mode and should feature all the staple busywork we're used to.
The world is confirmed to have three districts, each inspired by different regions.
- Parkside District (England)
- Montclair District (France)
- Zeiza District (Argentina)
There is a big oval in the middle that'll likely be your hub where you'll see other players and quick access to modes and stuff.
It also appears Pro Clubs is integrated into The Grounds. Your player progression will likely be the same as Clubs, with archetypes, points, and playstyles.
An open-world without progression doesn't make sense, and this looks to be an interesting way to combine two modes.
This could mean your team can roam together, do the activities, queue for small-sided street football and futsal matches, and rack up progression to level up your pro.
Earlier, a leak said that Rush is being removed and instead tossed into the open world. So that's likely what will happen to The Clubs, at least.
Both modes can be accessed through, or be important to, The Grounds.
Clothing is another important part of the mode. Of course, why would EA miss out on more microtransactions? The reveal trailer showed drips with licensed brands like Adidas, Nike, Puma, and others.
What's also confirmed are Alex Hunter and Kylian Mbappé as mentors. Their exact roles remain unclear, but they'll likely guide you through the open world and hand out activities to complete.
Speaking of activities, some minigames seen in the trailer include juggling skills, football with a big basketball-like hoop, matches with obstacles placed in between, kickabouts, and 1v1s.
The traditional Rush game mode is also spotted for The Grounds in the reveal trailer.
So, all in all, the open world is pretty much what you'd expect. A large map, activities scattered throughout, extensive customization, and a progression system.
There doesn't appear to be any overarching narrative binding things. Even if there was, it clearly wasn't worth highlighting in the reveal trailer.
A proper look at the mode will arrive in a gameplay deep dive scheduled for August. The exact date for the same hasn't been shared. We will be sure to keep you updated when more is revealed.
Meanwhile, check out all FC 27 editions, Career Mode details, and the new Hall of FUT rarity.
Stay tuned to realsport101.com: The Home of Sports Gaming News, Guides, Leaks, and Reviews!