Xbox kicks off EA Sports Week with free trials Jan 15-18

Table of Content

EA Sports Week returns to Xbox with a focused slate of seven playable trials running January 15-18. The lineup is split across two access groups: four titles for all Xbox members and three for Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential. The event also highlights in‑game athlete updates across the latest EA Sports releases. Xbox outlines standard access steps via Xbox.com or the console Store’s Free Play Days section.

Alongside access details, this year’s edition underscores roster and performance changes: Toni Kroos is back as an EA Sports FC 26 Icon, college football rookie Cam Skattebo debuts in Madden 26, and Alyssa Thompson with Ellie Carpenter receive significant upgrades in FC 26.

When and how to play

The window runs Thursday, January 15 through Sunday, January 18. Trials can be started by locating the games on Xbox.com (signed in) or via the console’s Xbox Store under the Free Play Days collection. Progress, Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event remain on your profile.

Lineup at a glance – EA Sports Week Free Play Days on Xbox

Below is a quick reference for availability and platform notes during the four‑day window.

Athlete spotlights and upgrades

This year’s focus is on standout player updates inside EA Sports titles. Toni Kroos returns to the pitch as an Icon in EA Sports FC 26, while Alyssa Thompson and Ellie Carpenter receive notable rating boosts in the same game. On the gridiron, Cam Skattebo makes his rookie debut in Madden NFL 26.

What each trial offers

EA Sports FC 26

• Modes during the showcase include Kick‑Off with a selection of the world’s major clubs.
• Co‑op focus through online 5‑a‑side Clubs Rush and newly introduced Live Events.
• Onboarding with a Learn to Play segment to sharpen fundamentals.
• Smart Delivery ensures the best version on your console.

Madden NFL 26

Madden’s 2026 entry is built around a new AI‑driven machine learning system that converts thousands of real NFL plays from nearly a decade of data into on‑field behavior. Expect player‑specific traits, authentic play styles, and adaptive counters that reflect quarterback and coaching tendencies. The trial is optimized for Xbox Series X|S.

Read also our article: Star Wars Outlaws lands on Game Pass with two DLC story arcs

College Football 26

College Football 26 covers the full pathway of the sport – from high school recruit to Heisman contender, or as a coach building a program. The emphasis is on forging a legacy within the college ecosystem, optimized for Xbox Series X|S.

NHL 26

EA Sports’ hockey title integrates NHL Edge data to inform how superstars perform in‑game. A reworked Be A Pro aims to evolve the single‑player career experience, centering on individual skill expression.

F1 25 (Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, Essential)

• Career content with a revamped My Team mode.
• Continuation of the narrative with the third chapter of Braking Point.
• Official video game of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship, optimized for Xbox Series X|S.

UFC 5 (Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, Essential)

Built on Frostbite, UFC 5 emphasizes visual fidelity and introduces new damage systems plus doctor stoppages that shape match flow in more authentic ways. Optimized for Xbox Series X|S.

PGA Tour (Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, Essential)

PGA Tour features Pure Strike for swing and shot modeling powered by ShotLink, with access to a broad set of real‑world courses. Optimized for Xbox Series X|S.

Final takeaway – a clean snapshot of EA’s 2026 lineup

For four days, Xbox members can sample the core of EA Sports’ 2026 catalog and experience player updates, physics tweaks and AI systems across football, hockey, motorsport, MMA and golf. If you want a quick sense of where each franchise stands in 2026, these trials provide a concise, low‑friction way to test the latest builds and decide what deserves more of your time after the event window.