How to Fix Lag & Connection Issues in FC 26

Stop losing games to input delay. Follow these steps to optimize your connection.

1. Use a Wired Connection (Ethernet)

Wi-Fi is unstable by nature. The single biggest improvement you can make is connecting your console or PC directly to the router via a LAN cable. This eliminates packet loss caused by wireless interference.

2. Check Server Status

Before blaming your internet, check if EA servers are down. Visit the official EA Help Twitter or DownDetector.

Advanced Settings (The 'Secret' Sauce)

Best DNS for Gaming

Changing your console's DNS server can drastically reduce lookup time and improve connection stability. Try these providers:

Cloudflare:Cloudflare (Recommended for Speed): Primary 1.1.1.1 / Secondary 1.0.0.1

Google:Google: Primary 8.8.8.8 / Secondary 8.8.4.4

Optimize MTU Settings

If your packets are fragmenting, you get lag. Test changing MTU from 'Automatic' (usually 1500) to 1472 or 1450 in your console network settings.

1472Recommended Value

Port Forwarding (Open NAT)

Ensure your NAT Type is OPEN (Type 1 or 2). Forward these TCP/UDP ports in your router for EA Sports FC:

UDP: 3659, 9565, 9570, 9000-9999 | TCP: 3569, 9946, 9988, 10000-20000, 42124

3. Optimize Your ISP Routing

Sometimes your Internet Provider (ISP) takes a long, inefficient route to connect to EA's game servers, causing high ping. A VPN can potentially force a more direct path.

NordVPN: Gaming Optimized

NordVPN offers NordLynx protocol for speed. It allows you to change your virtual location, potentially bypassing bad ISP routing nodes and avoiding bandwidth throttling.

Check NordVPN Offers →

Note: A VPN cannot exceed the physical speed limit of your internet connection, but it can help stabilize it and improve routing efficiency.