Clarify and Improve the Match Team Size Setting
Clarify and Improve the Match Team Size Setting
The Match Team Size setting in Pro Clubs needs clarification and potentially a complete redesign.
Currently, the description states that enabling this option will:
**"Match with a club that has an equal or greater number of players."**
However, the actual matchmaking experience does not appear to consistently follow this rule.
There are many situations where clubs enable this setting and are still matched against teams with fewer players than their own club.
This creates confusion because players do not know:
* What the setting actually does.
* Whether it is working correctly.
* What the acceptable player difference range is.
## Explain Exactly How Match Team Size Works
If this setting is intended to allow a range of player counts, EA should clearly explain that.
For example:
Current wording:
> Match with a club that is equal or greater.
Possible clearer wording:
> Attempts to match your club against teams with a similar number of human players. If unavailable, matchmaking may expand the acceptable range.
Players should understand:
* How large can the difference be?
* Does matchmaking prioritize team size or faster searches?
## Rework the System Around Competitive Balance
The current system appears too broad.
A better approach would be creating defined ranges.
Examples:
**Strict Team Size Matching**
* Same number of human players whenever possible.
* Maximum difference of +/- 1 or +/- 2 players.
Examples:
* 3 players vs 3–5 players.
* 5 players vs 4–7 players.
* 8 players vs 7–10 players.
**Open Team Size Matching**
* Allows larger differences.
* Prioritizes faster matchmaking.
This would give players a choice depending on their preference.
Team Size Matters More in FC 26
This issue has become significantly more important because of the current stamina system.
In previous versions, playing against a larger team was difficult but manageable because players had physical limitations.
In FC 26:
* Larger teams can constantly press.
* Attackers can track back all game.
* Players can recover instantly.
* Smaller teams have fewer passing options.
A 3-player club against a 7-player club is not just a numerical disadvantage — it creates a completely different gameplay experience.
Matchmaking Should Respect Club Size
If a club specifically chooses Match Team Size, that preference should be respected.
Players should not have to choose between:
* Competitive balance.
* Finding a match quickly.
Give clubs the option.
Balanced Matchmaking
Prioritize:
* Similar human player counts.
* Similar skill levels.
* Competitive matches.
Open Matchmaking
Prioritize:
* Faster searches.
* Larger team size differences allowed.
Final Thoughts
The biggest issue is not only that matchmaking may be creating unfair matches — it is that players do not understand what the setting actually does.
If a feature exists, players need confidence that it works as described.
Clear communication, better limits, and more control over matchmaking preferences would greatly improve the Pro Clubs experience.
