Random Input Lag Issue (PC)
Hello,
I’ve been experiencing a very frustrating and completely random issue on EA Sports FC 26, only in online modes and only on PC.
Sometimes I can play several matches without any issues, and then suddenly the game becomes almost unplayable, with no clear trigger.
❗ Detailed description of the issue
During online matches, in a completely random manner:
- I experience major slowdowns
- Severe input lag, especially noticeable after kick-offs
- In some cases, disconnections from EA servers, despite having an excellent and stable internet connection
- No freezes, no visible FPS drops, and no ping spikes
🔍 Very important detail:
I enabled the in-game input display that shows:
- the inputs sent by the controller, and
- the inputs actually received by the game
➡️ This clearly shows that, during these moments, the controller inputs are sent instantly, but the game receives them with a delay that can reach up to ~2 seconds.
I also have video proof clearly demonstrating this behavior.
The issue can occur:
- from the very first match
- or only after several matches (e.g. 4–5 games)
➡️ There is no consistent pattern; the problem is entirely random.
🖥️ Hardware & setup
- Platform: Windows PC
- CPU: Intel i5-10400F
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 (previously RTX 2060 — same issue)
- PSU: upgraded to a higher wattage model
- Controller: Xbox controller used wired (USB-C)
- Storage: game installed on SSD
- tested on two different SSDs
👉 I also tested the game on another laptop with a completely different hardware configuration, and the issue was exactly the same.
🌐 Network
- Tested with two different Internet Service Providers
- Stable connection
- No packet loss or latency issues
➡️ The problem persists regardless of the network used.
🎮 Game platforms tested
- Played via EA App
- Purchased and tested again via Steam
➡️ Same issue on both platforms
⚙️ Troubleshooting already done (no success)
- FPS capped and uncapped
- Many different graphics settings:
- low / medium presets
- different crowd settings
- multiple resolutions
- Display modes:
- fullscreen
- borderless windowed
- windowed
- V-Sync disabled
- Multiple refresh rates tested
- Windows Game Mode enabled
- Multiple controllers tested
- Hardware changes (GPU, PSU, PC)
- Network changes (ISP)
➡️ None of these attempts resolved the issue.
❓ Conclusion / request for help
I have zero issues in other demanding games (for example, recent Battlefield titles), which strongly suggests a game-specific issue with EA Sports FC 26
If anyone:
- has experienced the exact same issue,
- knows a specific fix, workaround, or hidden setting,
- or is aware if this problem is acknowledged by EA,
I would really appreciate any feedback or help.
I can provide video evidence showing the input delay if needed.
Thanks in advance!