Xbox players across the UK have a limited-time opportunity to experience some of the year's biggest sports titles completely free of charge. EA Sports Week has returned to Xbox consoles, offering a generous Free Play Days event that runs from Thursday, January 15, until Sunday, January 18, 2026.
What Games Are Free to Play This Weekend?
The centrepiece of the promotion allows all Xbox gamers to trial the latest football and American football simulations. EA Sports FC 26 and Madden NFL 26 are both available for free access during this period. The event also shines a spotlight on athletes who have received significant upgrades, such as Toni Kroos returning as an Icon in FC 26 and newcomer Cam Skattebo making his debut in Madden NFL 26.
Furthermore, College Football 26 and NHL 26 are also free to try for all players this weekend. Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass tiers—Ultimate, Premium, and Essential—receive even more value. They get additional access to F1 25, UFC 5, and PGA Tour as part of the Free Play Days collection.
How to Access the Free Trials and Exclusive Discounts
Getting started is straightforward. Players need to be signed into their Xbox account. On their Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S console, they should navigate to the Subscriptions tab within the Xbox Store and find the Free Play Days collection to install the desired titles.
This event is more than just a trial; it's a chance to secure a major bargain. For those who enjoy the games, selected EA Sports titles are discounted by up to 60% until January 26. Notably, EA Sports FC 26 is currently available at its lowest-ever price of just £15.99 on Xbox, thanks to the 60% discount. Significant savings are also present on NFL, UFC, and Formula 1 games.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members enjoy an added layer of benefit, as their subscription includes EA Play. This provides up to 10 hours of playtime for selected new releases, unlimited access to a library of EA titles, in-game rewards, and a 10% discount on EA digital purchases.
New Team of the Year Edition Launches
The free play period coincides perfectly with EA Sports announcing a special new edition of FC 26. The Team of the Year (TOTY) edition has launched alongside the game's popular TOTY event, which celebrates the best footballers of 2025.
Available across all platforms, this edition packs in exclusive content to kickstart your Ultimate Team. Purchasers receive an untradeable pack containing 11 TOTY Nominee Gold Player Items rated 82 or higher, a specific mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers. They also get three 2025 Highlights Player Picks and 5,000 Season Points to advance faster in the FC Season Pass.
As a bonus, new or returning players who log into the full game between January 13 and February 16 will receive a special TOTY Honourable Mention Hero item. The list of available heroes includes football legends like Claudio Marchisio, Diego Forlán, Vincent Kompany, and Tim Howard.
With only a few days remaining, UK sports gaming fans have a prime opportunity to test-drive the latest titles, claim hefty discounts, and dive into new content without the usual upfront cost.
