So real it’s unreal.

Madden 26 leverages a new AI-powered machine learning system trained on thousands of plays from nearly a decade of real NFL data to deliver more explosive gameplay - with new player-specific traits, authentic play-styles, and adaptive counters that match on-field tendencies and strategies of NFL quarterbacks and coaches.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will grace the cover of EA Sports Madden NFL 26, the first Eagle to do so in 20 years. Barkley’s record-setting season earned him both the cover and induction as the first member of the coveted Madden NFL 26 ‘99 Club.’ Barkley appears on two unique covers with one memorializing his spectacular reverse hurdle from last season.

EA Sports Madden NFL 26 revealed its official Super Bowl LX Simulation, predicting the Seattle Seahawks to win 23-20, and giving fans an early look at how the biggest game of the year could unfold.

The last time the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks played against each other in a Super Bowl, the Madden simulation accurately predicted the Patriots winning with a score of 28-24. More than a decade later, the simulation has become more precise and detailed than ever before, powered by advanced algorithms, nearly a decade of real NFL data, and insight from millions of Madden NFL games played. This Super Bowl 60 simulation doesn't just forecast the final score, it reflects how the community experiences football, down to individual player performances, key statistics, and game-changing moments.

The Madden NFL 26 simulation highlights several storylines fans will be watching closely on Super Bowl Sunday:

Winner and Final Score: Seahawks defeat Patriots 23-20

Super Bowl LX Most Valuable Player: Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks quarterback, with 26 completions on 36 attempts, 289 pass yards, two touchdown passes, and zero interceptions

Key Impact Performances:

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks wide receiver with six receptions, 84 receiving yards, and one touchdown
• Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks running back with 19 carries, 76 rush yards, four receptions for 41 receiving yards, and the game-winning touchdown
• Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots wide receiver with five receptions, 72 rec yards, and one touchdown

Key Offensive Storylines:

• Coin Toss: Seattle wins toss, electing to receive the opening kick.
• First Touchdown: Darnold starts hot and connects with Smith-Njigba for an early score, and finds WR Cooper Kupp for another touchdown early in the second quarter.
• Halftime: New England starts slow, held to just three points in the first half, converting a much-needed field goal before the break.
• Second-Half Momentum Shift: The Patriots make adjustments in the locker room, Drake Maye connects with Kayshon Boutte in the end zone giving New England a needed spark. Then, a Seattle fumble gets scooped up and returned for six points by Patriots defender Christian Gonzalez, allowing the Patriots to take a 3-point lead in the fourth quarter.
• The Final Drive: After a strong second half comeback, New England is forced to punt back to Seattle with only 42 seconds to play, in hopes their defense can make one more stop. Darnold then orchestrates a legacy, MVP-solidifying drive to give the Seahawks a chance to go for the win, rather than a field goal to tie, on the heels of a solid Rashid Shaheed punt return.
• The Walk-Off: It all comes down to one final play from inside the five-yard line, a moment Seattle fans certainly remember from this previous matchup. They could choose to tie it, but they decide to go for the win. Darnold hands the ball to Kenneth Walker, who reaches out for the game-winning touchdown as time expires.
• Field Goals: Both Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks kicker, and Andres Borregales, New England Patriots kicker, convert two field goals each, with no misses.
• All Touchdown Scorers:
  • Seattle Seahawks:
    • Jaxon Smith-Njigba (receiving TD)
    • Cooper Kupp (receiving TD)
    • Kenneth Walker III (rushing TD)
  • New England Patriots:
    • Kayshon Boutte (receiving TD)
    • Christian Gonzalez (fumble recovery return)

Score by Quarter

• End of the first quarter: Seattle Seahawks 7, New England Patriots 0
• At halftime: Seattle Seahawks 14, New England Patriots 3
• End of the third quarter: Seattle Seahawks 17, New England Patriots 17
• Final score: Seattle Seahawks 23, New England Patriots 20

Defensive Storylines:

• Total Sacks: Seattle notches four sacks, New England manages three.
• Turnovers: The Seahawks give up a forced fumble, recovered and returned for a Patriots TD by Christian Gonzalez.
• Top Tackles: Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV has a day with nine tackles, while Carlton Davis III leads the Patriots with eight.

"Every day, fans play up to 23,000 NFL seasons in Madden NFL, with more than 2 billion games played in a given year. Our ratings systems, locomotion data, and engine power an incredibly sophisticated simulation,” said Evan Dexter, VP of Franchise Strategy and Marketing. “Millions of fans wait for Madden to make the call, since our prediction is the only one that matters. We accurately predicted the Seahawks-Patriots matchup in 2015, and now, over a decade later, we're giving Seahawks fans a reason to get very excited.”

From kickoff to the final field goal, the Madden NFL 26 simulation tracks every detail fans will be watching during the biggest game of the year.

Fans can create their own game day simulation and explore alternate outcomes with EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 starting Feb. 5 on EA Play, giving members unlimited access to the latest entry in the franchise just in time for Super Bowl weekend.

Madden NFL 26 gameplay redefines NFL simulation with cutting-edge features powered by advanced physics and AI-powered machine learning systems: 

• Coach DNA: Coaches employ real philosophies, backed by nearly a decade of NFL data, with styles like Dan Campbell's aggressive fourth-down calls and Kevin O'Connell's creative offense, adding strategic depth. Dynamic coach suggestions and multi-player counters provide smart play recommendations based on game situations and opponent tendencies, countering repetitive tactics.
• QB DNA: The most iconic position in sports comes to life with signature throwing motions, pocket presence, scrambling styles, authentic arm slots and more. An All-New traits system powers authentic behavior like you see every Sunday, from Josh Allen’s powerful arm to Lamar Jackson’s agile evasions. This is the most lifelike quarterback experience in franchise history. 
• Explosive NFL Movement: Captures the league’s unmatched athleticism, letting you feel the raw power and precision of every burst. From game-changing cuts to electrifying runs, you create the impact that defines Sunday’s Superstars, putting you in control of gamechanging NFL speed.
• Physics Expansion: Physics-based interactions, including catch tackles, stiff-arms, and trucks, deliver authentic contact outcomes, while new mechanics like Custom Defensive Zones along with new knockouts and swats take pass coverage to a whole new level.
• Football Weather: Extreme weather impacts gameplay, with snow, fog, and wet conditions affecting visibility, movement, stamina, and ball security making weather an adversary just like Buffalo and Cleveland in January. 
• Foundational Football: New mechanics, including Adaptive Coverage, enhanced D-line Stunts & Twists, and block steering, provide unparalleled realism across offense, defense, and special teams.

Madden NFL 26 introduces a refreshed feature set that immerses players in the heart of the NFL, with deepened modes and engaging live content throughout the year: 

• Presentation: Authentic NFL atmospheres come to life with team-specific run-outs, iconic crowd chants like Minnesota’s Skol, and Baltimore’s electrifying pre-game light show. Dynamic halftime shows, hosted by new addition Scott Hanson, and custom broadcast packages—now featuring primetime slots for Monday, Thursday and Sunday night matchups—produce a distinct look, sound and feel. 
• Franchise: Build your legacy in style with new archetypes and gear for your custom coach or start from a real NFL coach. New features such as playsheets, Wear & Tear and Approval Ratings make every week a unique challenge. Scott Hanson's Weekly Recaps and Rich Eisen's commentary highlight a long list of upgrades to the fan favorite mode. 
• Superstar: Import your EA SPORTS College Football 26 player or craft a new avatar, to progress through weekly storylines, master the Sphere of Influence system and achieve 99 OVR - all while balancing Wear & Tear and competing in live events. 
• Madden Ultimate Team: Build your dream roster with NFL legends and stars, tackle new dynamic MUT Events, and rise through 50-player Leaderboard Campaigns. NFL Team Pass delivers team-specific rewards across online modes, keeping programs fresh and offering ever-evolving ways to play with every new program.  
• Roster Management: Strategically develop your roster to fit your scheme with modern Depth Chart positions including edge, long snapper, gadget players and more. Manage weekly performance with the new Wear and Tear system and Dynamic Substitutions.

EA Play members will get a 10-hour Early Access Trial starting August 11th†. EA Play Pro members will enjoy unlimited access to the EA Play Pro Edition† of the game, and get up to 6,000 Madden Points, Player and Strategy Items and more. All EA Play members can score rewards such as monthly Ultimate Team Packs, as well as receive 10% off Electronic Arts digital content including game downloads, Season Passes, and DLC for certain titles.

Madden NFL 26 is available for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC (EA app/Steam/Epic Games Store).