PC/Steam: Career Mode Infinite Loading Screen & Audio Bug

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing multiple issues with EA SPORTS FC 26 on PC (Steam) that started recently. The game was working fine before, but now I'm having serious problems in Career Mode.

Platform: PC (Steam)

Operating System: Windows 11

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050

RAM: 32 GB

Storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD

Mods: None

Issue 1: Player Career loading screen

After saving my Player Career and closing the game, when I reopen FC 26 and try to play the next scheduled match, the game gets stuck indefinitely on the black loading screen with the green FC 26 logo. It never reaches the pre-match presentation.

If I simulate the match that is stuck, the following match usually loads and plays normally.

Issue 2: Manager Career audio

While playing Manager Career, the menu music started playing during matches and I could no longer hear the commentators. The match continues, but the audio is incorrect.

Things I have already tried:

Restarted my PC.

Restarted Steam.

Verified the game files multiple times.

Steam repeatedly reports that 3 files failed to validate and were reacquired. (Sorted)

Tried Fullscreen and Windowed mode.

Created a new Career Mode save.

No mods are installed.

The game is installed on an NVMe SSD with plenty of free space.