FC25 Online Friendlies Matchmaking Feels Broken and Unfair
I’m posting this in the hope that someone at EA Canada sees it and considers looking into the current matchmaking system in Online Friendlies.
I’ve been playing FIFA since 1995. I’m 35 now, and I’ve bought and played every version since then, including every iteration of Ultimate Team since FIFA 09. I only say that to make it clear I’m not new to the game. I’ve been with it for over two decades, so I’d like to think my feedback carries some weight.
Every year, the gameplay changes. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not, but I’ve accepted that as part of the experience. Unlike many players, I don't complain about input lag, scripting, or DDA. I used to grind Weekend League every weekend until I realised my mental health wasn’t worth the stress. These days, I just play to complete objectives and earn rewards. That means Rush, Squad Battles, Online Friendlies, and the occasional Rivals match. Since I barely touch Rivals, I’m currently in Division 8.
This week, I logged on to try and complete the TOTS Premier League Cup and earn the Honourable Mentions Mateta card. On Tuesday night, I played 9 games - lost every single one. I messaged each opponent afterward to ask what Rivals division they were in. Every reply I got said Division 3 or higher.
Last night, I gave it another go. Played 14 more games, won 4, and lost 10. So that’s 23 games with only 4 wins. And that brings me to the real issue: matchmaking in Online Friendlies is completely unbalanced. I get that it’s supposed to be based on whether you finish matches and your win/loss ratio, but whatever the system is doing, it’s not working.
When I load into a match, I expect to play someone close to my level, maybe slightly better or slightly worse. That makes for a balanced game where both players have a fair shot. But right now? I’m constantly being paired with elite-level players who completely wipe the floor with me. Some matches ended 6–1, 9–0, 5–0, it’s not even close.
And honestly, it’s exhausting. After a long day at work, I want to unwind with a game I’ve loved most of my life. But lately, every session leaves me feeling worse. I’m not saying I need to win all the time, but if I’m losing 10+ games in a row, the fun is completely gone.
Skill-based matchmaking in Online Friendlies is not working and needs serious attention going into FC26.
TL;DR: Lifelong FIFA player here. Online Friendlies matchmaking in FC25 is totally broken. I’m constantly matched against players way above my level, and it’s making the game frustrating and joyless.
