School Esports Cup — EA FC26
Ireland’s national post-primary esports competition. Represent your school, compete on Wednesdays, and make it to the National Esports Centre finals.
SCHEDULE
EA FC26 game day is Wednesday. Two matches are played each game day — one at 5:30pm and one at 6:00pm.
WEEK 1
22 Apr
LEAGUE PLAY
Online
WEEK 2
29 Apr
LEAGUE PLAY
Online
WEEK 3
6 May
LEAGUE PLAY
Online
PLAYOFFS
9 May
SATURDAY
Online
GRAND FINALS
16 May
SATURDAY
National Esports Centre, Cork
MATCH FORMAT
Everything you need to know about how matches are played.
THE BASICS
Mode: 2 vs 2
Format: Best of One
Match length: 6 minute halves
PLATFORMS & CROSS-PLAY
Supported: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S & PC
Cross-platform play is enabled — you may face opponents on a different platform.
GAME DAY TIMING
Day: Wednesday
Game 1: 5:30pm
Game 2: 6:00pm
Window: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
REPORTING RESULTS
The winning team is responsible for reporting the match result after each game. Make sure your team does this promptly — unresolved results can affect your standings.
Eligibility: Open to all post-primary aged students and learners across Ireland, including education centres. A staff point of contact must be appointed before students can register and play. All genders and ability levels are welcome. Schools may enter as many teams as they wish. Matches are played online from home or school — the Grand Finals are held live at the National Esports Centre, Cork.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU SIGN UP
Once you’ve registered, here’s what to expect.
STEP 1
BUILD YOUR TEAM
Make sure your teammate is registered on the platform. One of you creates the team — both need to join it. Try to use your school name in your team name, e.g. “Hogan School Dragons”.
STEP 2
CHECK YOUR FIXTURES
Your fixtures will be listed on the Home Page and under Matches once your team is signed up. Check before each Wednesday. Teams will need to add each other in-game in order to setup the match.
STEP 3
PLAY & REPORT
Play your matches at 5:30pm and 6:00pm. The winning team must report the result on the platform straight after each game.
STEP 4
MAKE THE FINALS
Top teams advance through playoffs to the live Grand Finals at the National Esports Centre on 16 May.