This is why the online experience is so frustrating
I matched with a guy in Holland. Cool, normal matchmaking, right? Except he was on 16 ping while I’m sitting in Norway on 32 ping. How is that remotely a level playing field?
Before anyone says “32 isn’t that bad” — it absolutely matters in a game like this. FC is all about split-second inputs:
first touches
player switching
tackles
keeper movement
skill moves
When one player’s inputs register noticeably faster, it changes EVERYTHING. My defenders feel heavy, tackles are late, passes get intercepted, and suddenly I’m fighting the game as much as my opponent.
What makes it worse is that this isn’t some rare situation — this is just life if you’re playing from Northern Norway. We’re constantly at a disadvantage because there are no proper local servers. Meanwhile players in central Europe get smoother gameplay, faster response, and a completely different experience.
This is supposed to be a competitive online game. How can it be competitive when geography decides who gets better gameplay?
I’m honestly at the point where I decided to not buy another EA game unless they improve server coverage in regions like Norway. It’s 2026 — this shouldn’t still be an issue.
We don’t need new card designs, more promos, or shiny menus.
We need fair, stable gameplay.
Until then, every match just feels like built-in handicap.