A new trademark has been filed for the upcoming open-world game mode set to launch with EA FC 27.
The discussions, leaks, and rumours about EA Sports introducing an open world with their upcoming title have been circulating for months now. Back in November 2025, we even saw gameplay leaks for this mode, with the open world looking pretty similar to NBA 2K’s. Now, the developers have trademarked the name for this mode.
EA FC 27’s Open World Mode Trademark Surfaces Online
Spotted by Matheus Gamer on X (formerly Twitter) via FGZ, EA Sports FC registered the name ‘FC The Grounds’ for their open-world game mode on January 23, 2026. The website, Justia Trademarks, features a description for this patent, which states the following: “The mark consists of the stylized letters’ FC’ set in a triangular shape tilted on an angle, with a small triangle at the left corner and the words’ THE GROUNDS’ in stylized letters.”
For those unaware, an exclusive report from FGZ confirmed that EA Sports will introduce its highly anticipated open-world mode in EA FC 27. The new game mode will feature explorable areas known as Districts, each inspired by a prominent footballing nation. Since most EA FC titles are released in September, players can anticipate the next title around that time. Hopefully, an official announcement regarding the new mode should arrive before the release date.
In other news, here are the 5 biggest things that Insider Gaming learned from the EA FC open-world leaks, including release window, game modes & mini-games, continent hopping, and more. What are your thoughts on EA Sports naming FC 27’s open world game mode as “FC The Grounds”? Leave your thoughts down in the comments, and join the official Insider Gaming Discord server.
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