Liga MX FC 26: Confirmed Return Or Major Setback? The Full Licensing Controversy Explained

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The question of whether Liga MX will finally return to EA Sports FC 26 has become the biggest licensing saga in virtual football, and as of today, December 19, 2025, the information is still highly contested, creating a massive buzz among fans. After years of absence from the franchise due to an exclusive contract with a competitor, the Mexican league's status for the highly anticipated September 2025 release is a rollercoaster of strong leaks and conflicting official reports. The truth behind the complex negotiations—involving exclusive rights, a potential five-year deal, and the inclusion of iconic clubs like Club América and Tigres UANL—is the key to unlocking one of the most requested features for the upcoming title.

For millions of players in North and South America, the inclusion of the full Liga MX license is a game-changer, not just for Career Mode but also for the critical Ultimate Team market, which thrives on new player cards and league-specific content. The current uncertainty stems from a clash between reliable insider leaks suggesting a triumphant return and reports indicating a major setback that could see the league absent from the initial launch, potentially only arriving through a post-release update. This deep dive explores the current status, the reasons behind the controversy, and what fans can realistically expect from the EA Sports FC 26 experience.

The Great Liga MX Return: Leaks vs. Reality in EA Sports FC 26

The absence of Liga MX from the EA Sports football simulation series since FIFA 22 has left a significant void, a situation caused by an exclusive licensing agreement held by a rival game. With that exclusive partnership reportedly expiring, speculation and leaks about a return to EA Sports FC 26 have been rampant, fueling fan excitement across the globe.

The Confirmed Return Rumors and Leaks

Multiple influential sources and leakers have strongly suggested that the Mexican league is making a grand comeback in FC 26. This news is often cited as "almost official" or even "confirmed" in the virtual football community.

  • Five-Year Contract: One of the most significant leaks points to EA Sports securing a new five-year contract with Liga MX, which would solidify the league's presence for the foreseeable future. This long-term commitment would be a massive win for the franchise, ensuring stability for content creators and players.
  • Licensed Clubs: The return is rumored to include full licensing for the league, encompassing all teams, official kits, and player names. Specific iconic clubs are repeatedly mentioned, including fan favorites like Club América, Tigres UANL, and Guadalajara (Chivas). The inclusion of these teams is crucial for the authenticity of the Mexican league experience.
  • Ultimate Team Impact: The addition of a full league means a wealth of new player cards for Ultimate Team (UT), increasing the diversity and options for squad building. Mexican league stars would become available for SBCs (Squad Building Challenges) and promotional events, injecting fresh content into the UT ecosystem.

The Confirmed Absence Reports and Setbacks

Despite the strong and consistent leaks, a number of reports have introduced a note of caution, suggesting that the licensing negotiations are more complex than anticipated and may not be finalized for the initial September launch.

  • Initial Release Omission: Some sources have confirmed that Liga MX will be noticeably absent from the game’s initial release, citing ongoing and complex licensing challenges.
  • Future Update Possibility: The silver lining in the negative reports is the possibility that negotiations are not entirely closed. There is a strong chance that the Liga MX teams could arrive in a future update, potentially throughout 2026, once all exclusivity contracts and individual club deals are ironed out.
  • No Official Announcement: As of the current date, EA Sports has not made any official announcement regarding the inclusion of Liga MX in FC 26. Licensing agreements of this magnitude are typically announced with fanfare, making the silence a point of concern for many fans.

Why the Liga MX Licensing Deal is So Complex

The struggle to secure the full Liga MX license boils down to the intricate world of sports video game licensing, which often involves multiple layers of negotiation beyond just the league itself. The key challenge lies in the previous exclusive partnership with Konami’s eFootball title, which had locked out EA Sports for several years.

The expiration of one master license does not automatically grant the rights to a competitor. EA Sports must now negotiate with the league and potentially individual clubs to secure the necessary intellectual property (IP) rights for team names, logos, kits, and player likenesses. This process is time-consuming and expensive, especially when dealing with a league as prominent as the Mexican league.

  • Individual Club Exclusivity: Even if the league license is secured, some top-tier clubs may have separate, pre-existing deals that complicate a full-league inclusion.
  • Player Likeness Rights: Securing the rights for hundreds of players, especially for the high-fidelity real faces and player models expected in EA Sports FC 26, adds another layer of legal complexity and cost.
  • The Price War: The competition between EA Sports and Konami means the price for the Liga MX license has likely escalated, making the deal a major financial consideration for the publisher.

What to Expect from EA Sports FC 26 Features and Release Date

While the Liga MX status remains the biggest point of contention, the overall development of EA Sports FC 26 is moving forward, with a traditional release window confirmed. Fans can anticipate the game's launch on or around September 25-26, 2025, continuing the series' annual release schedule.

Beyond the licensing deals, the new installment is expected to bring significant gameplay changes and new features to keep the franchise fresh. Rumored additions include a potential "Open World Mode," which would represent a major shift in how players interact with the game's environment outside of matches. This focus on innovation is a clear move to expand the game's appeal beyond the core match simulation.

For Mexican football fans, the hope remains high. Whether the league is present at launch or arrives via a major update, the consensus is that the Mexican league will eventually be part of the FC 26 cycle. The return of Liga MX would not only appease a massive segment of the fanbase but also significantly enrich the Ultimate Team experience, making it a critical strategic move for EA Sports in the competitive sports simulation market.

Liga MX FC 26: Confirmed Return or Major Setback? The Full Licensing Controversy Explained
liga mx fc 26
liga mx fc 26

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