How to Fix FC 26 Stuck on Loading Screen Issue

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-09-11 10:08:38

Fix EA Sports FC 26 Stuck on the Loading Screen (PC, PS5, PS4)

Why FC 26 Freezes at Startup

Launching EA Sports FC 26 only to get stuck on the splash logo or loading bar is a frustrating experience shared by many players across platforms. Whether you're on PC, PlayStation, or switching between them, the issue often stems from a handful of recurring culprits:
  • In-game overlay conflicts
  • Corrupted user profiles or settings
  • EA background services or anti-cheat interference
  • Resolution mismatches or input conflicts
  • License recognition issues on consoles
  • Server-side delays or first-launch hang-ups
Let’s break down each one and how to fix it.

Disable Overlays and Conflicting Services

Overlays from apps like GeForce Experience, EA App, or Discord can interfere with FC 26’s launch sequence.

Fix:

  • Turn off overlays in GeForce Experience and EA App
  • Close Discord or disable its in-game overlay
  • Open Task Manager and end the process called EAbackgroundservice.exe
  • Launch the game using EAAntiCheat.GameServiceLauncher.exe directly from the install folder

Many users report that this alone resolved their startup freeze.

Create a Fresh Windows User Profile

If the game continues to freeze even after reinstalling, your current Windows profile may be corrupted or misconfigured.

Fix:

  • Create a new Windows user account
  • Log into the new profile
  • Reinstall FC 26 under this account
  • Launch the game

As one Reddit user put it: “As soon as I made a new user, the game just… worked.”

Change Resolution and Window Mode

Some players have bypassed the splash screen lock by lowering their resolution and switching to windowed mode.

Fix:

  • Set resolution to 1280×780 or similar
  • Launch the game in Windowed Mode
  • If you can’t access settings, edit the config file manually in the game’s directory

This workaround helps resolve input conflicts and display mismatches that can freeze the game at launch.

Restore Licenses on PS5

Console players, especially on PS5, may face license recognition issues that prevent the game from loading properly.

Fix:

  • Go to Settings → Users and Accounts → Other → Restore Licenses
  • Restart the console
  • Launch FC 26 again

This step refreshes your digital entitlements and often resolves splash screen freezes.

Wait It Out (First-Time Launch)

In some cases, especially during the first launch after installation, the game may appear frozen but is actually processing background tasks.

Fix:

  • Wait 3–5 minutes on the loading screen
  • Avoid pressing buttons or restarting prematurely

Several users report that the game eventually loads after a short delay.

Reinstall and Re-Download the Game

If none of the above work, a clean reinstall may be necessary.

Fix:

  • Uninstall FC 26 completely via Steam, EA App, or PlayStation
  • Delete leftover files in the install directory
  • Re-download and reinstall the game
  • Launch with overlays disabled

This ensures any corrupted files or incomplete installations are fully replaced.

How to Prevent Future Loading Screen Issues

Once you’ve resolved the freeze, here are steps to keep FC 26 running smoothly:

Disable Overlays Before Launch

Make it a habit to turn off overlays before starting the game. This simple step prevents many launch conflicts.

Create a Fallback Windows Profile

Keep a secondary Windows user profile ready for emergency reinstalls. It’s a quick way to bypass profile-related bugs.

Keep Drivers and EA App Updated

Regularly update your:

  • GPU drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
  • EA App or Steam client
  • Console firmware (PS5/PS4)

This reduces compatibility issues and ensures smoother performance.

Clear Cache Periodically

On PC:

  • Delete temporary files via Disk Cleanup
  • Clear EA App cache from its settings menu

On console:

  • Power cycle your system by turning it off completely and unplugging for 2–3 minutes

Optimize Network Connection

  • Use a wired Ethernet connection
  • Avoid heavy downloads or streaming while playing
  • Set QoS (Quality of Service) on your router to prioritize gaming traffic

This helps prevent packet-level hang-ups that can delay startup or cause in-game lag.

Tags: UEFA Champions League, Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga, CONMEBOL Libertadores, Women’s Super League, Player Career
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