EA Sports has unveiled The Grounds, a new free open-world social mode arriving in FC 27, which the developer describes as one of the biggest additions to the franchise in years. Speaking to Destructoid, Line Producer Karthik Venkateshan explained that the mode was born from community requests for more ways to connect, play and express themselves beyond traditional matches, and is designed to sit alongside existing FC modes rather than replace them, letting players meet teammates, recruit for clubs and build their own football identity.

At launch on 18 September, three regions inspired by different footballing cultures will be available: Parkside (UK), drawing on working-class football heritage with brick architecture and grass pitches; Montclair (France), reflecting urban cage-football culture with 4G turf; and Zeiza (Argentina), evoking Potrero street football with patchy grass and concrete surfaces. Venkateshan said the mode has been years in development, drawing on EA's experience with social football, small-sided play and narrative gameplay, and confirmed further regions and features are planned. On monetisation, he stressed that spending is optional, with rewards earned through gameplay, objectives and seasonal progression, and cosmetic purchases available only for those wanting extra self-expression.