For a football head, Madden 26 is the ultimate video game. While it offers many modes centered on solo progression, some modes, such as Quick Play, Franchise, and Ultimate Team, are always better when played with a group of friends.
Similar to other popular EA Sports titles, Madden 26 allows you to play locally if you and your friends share the same couch, or compete online when you are apart. With that in mind, this guide covers everything you need to know to play Madden 26 with your friends.
How To Play Madden 26 With Friends – Locally
Whether it’s a one-off multiplayer match or a co-op showdown, the Quick Play feature is the way to go if you want to play Madden 26 locally. As you reach the main menu, select “Quick Play,” and it will take you to a new screen. Here, two teams will be visible on the left and right.
If both controllers are connected, players can pick a side and control the team they want, or simply choose the same one if they’re playing co-op against AI. Once selected, the game allows you to adjust a few settings before the action begins.
Additionally, the Quick Play also offers two more modes: the Pro Bowl, where you and your friend can compete with AFC and NFC teams, and the Superstar Knockout (SSKO) for some quick elimination action.
The SSKO not only lets you compete with just one friend, but also allows you to bring your whole squad (up to five friends) and enjoy 3v3, 2v2, and 1v1 matches.
How To Play Madden 26 With Friends – Online
Locally, you are only left with Quick Play, but if you want to join your buddies online, the following are the available modes, along with their respective procedures.
Online H2H
To simply take on a friend online, you have to select the “H2H Play a Friend” option that appears on your screen. Once selected, the game allows you to invite friends from your console’s network or those added to your EA account.
Franchise Mode
Franchise mode can be enjoyed with friends. To make that happen, first select the Play Online Solo or Multiplayer option on the welcome screen to enable online features on your league. The next step is to finalize your team and coach, and then adjust the league settings to tailor them to your liking. In the settings, switch to private and then put a password on your Franchise League.
Once everything is set up, this password is the ticket for your friends to join you. Share it with them, and they’ll use it to enter the league. They can find your league by searching its name on the “Current Franchises” screen (look for the magnifying glass). After joining, your friends can choose any of your available teams and manage them.
Additionally, there’s another way to welcome friends in a franchise. Once you are done setting up, head to Options and then select Members. In this menu, choose the team you want to assign to your friend and invite them. Once they accept your invitation, they’ll become part of your league. Keep in mind that they still can’t compete in a fantasy draft with you, but if they want to relocate their team, it’s doable.
Ultimate Team
To enjoy Ultimate Team with your friends, look for the ‘Play A Friend’ option, located at the bottom of the screen.
Upon selecting, you get two different options: H2H PAF and Squads PAF. If you are in the mood to use your MUT teams against a friend, then choose H2H PAF. However, if you want to build a team from your squad and then put it against your friend, go to Squads PAF. You can also use the Squads PAF option to play 2v2s or even 3v3s against other online teams.
Select the option that best suits you and invite a friend from the suggested list. As soon as they accept your invitation, the game begins after you adjust a couple of settings.
