FIFA 21: Release date, demo, price, Ultimate Team, new Icons, next-gen consoles and more

Fans of FIFA are eagerly awaiting the release of this year's instalment, and the hype train is most certainly in motion with EA Sports starting to feed information about FIFA 21 and thanks to a couple of trailers and also some leaks, which the developers have been working at overtime to erase from the internet we have more (unconfirmed) information about what well be in store come October when the game releases.

We have gathered all the different pieces of info we have to give you the lowdown on FIFA 21, including the release date, the latest information about FIFA Ultimate Team, what ICONs we expect to be added and much more.

What is the release date for FIFA 21?

EA Sports have confirmed that FIFA 21 will be coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on 9th, October 2020.

EA Access will begin on 1st October, meaning the demo should be in players' hands before then.

Those that pre-order the Ultimate Edition or Champions Edition will also gain access to the game three days earlier, on 6th October.

How can I play the FIFA 21 Demo?

The demo for FIFA 21 is set to be available across all platforms on the 8th, September 2020. Usually, the demo contains just the kick-off mode and no teams are yet confirmed, however, Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool F.C all featured heavily in the initial trailer and should point to their inclusion.

The demo will be available on the PlayStation and Xbox Store.

What changes to FIFA 21 Ultimate Team can we expect?

FIFA Ultimate Team, that love it or hate it game mode, is set for a few changes this year. The trailer revealed that FIFA 21 is set to get a co-op mode, with friends seemingly able to play together - a first for the squad building mode.

(Picture: EA Sports)

Also on the way is a plethora of new Icons, EA has confirmed 100 will be in the game at launch. with Manchester United legend Cantona already confirmed.

Also on the way could be not Manchester United legend Diego Forlan, who has been teasing his possible inclusion on social media. Samuel Eto'o and Xavi have also been rumoured, with the former gaining extra credence after being highly visible in the trailer announcing the partnership with AC and Inter Milan.

What new ICONs will be in FIFA 21?

(Picture: EA Sports)

We already covered that, the one's from years past will likely be making a return, as well as at least 12 others. The Inter trailer above also clearly shows World Cup winner Lothar Matthäus and Argentina's midfield general - Juan Sebastián Verón.

How much will FIFA 21 cost?

(Picture: EA Sports)

There will be three editions of FIFA 21 at launch; the Standard, Champions and Ultimate Edition. The higher-priced editions include extras such as rare gold packs for FUT and special edition kits and stadium items. For more information on what is in each pack check out your FIFA 21 edition breakdown.

The Standard Edition costs £59.99 through the PlayStation and Microsoft store, with EA Access members getting it for £53.99.

The Champions Edition comes in at £79.99, with EA Access members picking it up for £71.99. Players will allow gain access to the game three days earlier. This edition includes everything in the Standard Edition.

The Ultimate Edition is £89.99 (EA Access: £80.99), and includes everything from the other two editions plus an untradeable FUT 21 Ones to Watch item, 24 Rare Gold Packs, and cover star Kylian Mbappé on loan for five FUT matches.

PlayStation 5 and Xbox X release date

(Picture: EA Sports)

While FIFA 21 is been confirmed to be coming to next-generation consoles, there is, as of right now, no release date. Which perhaps isn't a surprise considering we do not yet know when the consoles themselves will be released other than a tentative towards the end of 2020.

What has been confirmed though is that players who purchase the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One versions will be able to upgrade free to the next-gen versions with a system called "Dual Entitlement". So PlayStation 4 players will automatically get a copy on PlayStation 5, if and when they purchase one likewise, Xbox One players will get an Xbox X version.

Players will be able to do this until the release of FIFA 22, giving you a full year to redeem your copy.

All progress whether that be Career mode or your FUT will also transfer over, meaning you won't skip a beat when upgrading.