Blog / Madden NFL 26 Multiplayer Guide: How to Play With Friends
August 12, 2025
Madden NFL 26 Multiplayer Guide: How to Play With Friends Your step-by-step playbook for battling or teaming up with friends in Madden NFL 26
⚡ Head-to-Head (1v1) Mode
If bragging rights are on the line, this is your go-to mode.
- From the main menu, select Online H2H.
- Choose Play a Friend and send an invite.
- On PC, use the EA App overlay; on console, open your friends list directly.
- Once accepted, you’re instantly matched for a casual or competitive game.
🤝 Ultimate Team Duos & Squads
Want to team up instead of battle it out? Here's your playbook:
- Launch Ultimate Team and head to Play A Friend.
- Select Squads PAF to enter 2v2 or 3v3 matches.
- Pick your role, send invites, and the game auto-fills gaps if squads are incomplete.
- You're matched against other squads for intense group play and squad-based progression.
🧠 Which Mode Should You Choose?
- Casual play? Try the simplicity of 1v1 in Online H2H.
- Want to team up? Ultimate Team’s squads mode is your go-to for cooperative gridiron fun and rewards.
📌 TL;DR
- 1v1 Play: Online H2H → Play a Friend
- 2v2/3v3 Co-op: Ultimate Team → Squads Play A Friend
- Choice Tip: Pick based on whether you want competition or teamwork.