First Madden NFL 26 title update adds European stadiums

"EA Sports has delivered the first of many title updates for Madden NFL 26 following its launch. Among the content additions in this update is the introduction of three European stadiums: the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, and Dublin Stadium. Players also have access to a brand-new playbook curated by former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert. This patch brought the Nike Rivalries program to the game, which unlocked brand-new uniforms for some teams from the AFC East and NFC West."

"In regards to the mentioned gameplay changes, EA adjusted a couple of plays to fix issues and correct balance problems: Cover 2 Tampa: The middle defender now gets deeper, maintaining better leverage position against deep threats, especially vs. 3x1 formations. Cover 2 Hard Flats: Addressed an issue with hard flats where defenders were dropping too deep and too far inside before reacting to flat routes. Defenders now drop more accurately with their zone responsibilities, improving coverage consistency in the shallow flats."

"Cover 3 Match: Logic improvements for defenders when reacting to slot WRs attempting to outleverage the defense on deep routes. This includes Buzz Mable and Zone Blitz 3 playcalls. Zone coverage defenders now drop back quicker when shading coverage 'overtop.' Fixed a post play animation defect where a defender would do "read steps" when standing in place after the whistle."

Madden NFL 26 adds three European stadiums: Olympiastadion in Berlin, Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, and Dublin Stadium. A new playbook curated by former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert is available to players. The Nike Rivalries program unlocked new uniforms for select AFC East and NFC West teams and will run for at least four years with rotating focuses. Multiple defensive coverage plays were adjusted for better leverage and zone responsibilities, including Cover 2 Tampa, Cover 2 Hard Flats, Cover 3 Match, Cover 6, and Cover 4 Palms. Zone defenders now drop quicker when shading 'overtop.' Visual and post-play animation defects were fixed and Franchise Mode UI and card transitions received improvements.

Read at ESPN.com