| EA Sports FC 26 remains the No.1 physical sales in the United Kingdom (GfK, week of December 27, 2025). |
| Mario Kart World confirms its 2nd place, driving the top sales on Switch 2. |
| The weekly ranking also features Black Ops 7, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Battlefield 6. |
| FC 26 relies on a record commercial success and a multi-platform base. |
| The duo sports game + racing captures the family demand during the holidays. |
Driven by a peak in store traffic, EA Sports FC 26 holds the top spot for physical sales in the United Kingdom, according to GfK. Following closely, Mario Kart World firmly establishes itself in second position. This duo illustrates a simple reality: at year’s end, sports and racing set the pace of the top sales of video games. The snapshot for the week ending December 27, 2025, confirms this, with a basket dominated by “evergreen” licenses and consoles placed by the Christmas tree.
The momentum is explained as much by the strength of the brands as by flawless execution in the aisles. FC 26, launched at the end of September, immediately established itself before being briefly overtaken by Ghost of Yotei. It then reclaimed its throne. Meanwhile, Mario Kart World capitalizes on the momentum of the Switch 2 and the desire for local multiplayer. This context highlights a fundamental trend: when the holiday window opens, accessibility often beats novelty. The result can be read line by line in the GfK ranking.
EA Sports FC 26 dominates sales in the United Kingdom: figures, context, and momentum
Released on September 26, 2025, EA Sports FC 26 posted the fastest start for a sports game on PlayStation in 2025, with about 5.5 million copies sold in its first week. This traction continues to translate in stores. For the week ending December 27, it remains No.1 in physical sales in the United Kingdom. Seasonal content and Manager Live challenges sustain engagement.
The multi-platform also plays a major role. Available on PS5, Xbox Series, PC, as well as Switch and cloud, the title feeds a broad funnel during the gift-giving period. Bundle offers and prepaid cards strengthen visibility at the aisle end. Should this be seen as a mere holiday effect? The figures rather indicate leadership maintained by regular updates and a calibrated event schedule.
Why EA’s sports game holds its ground in the ranking
Three levers structure the performance: refined gameplay thanks to community feedback, a live service creating weekly appointments, and strong marketing presence. Thus, the Ultimate Team ecosystem boosts retention, while in-game challenges encourage impulse purchases in stores.
On the ground, retailers confirm the pattern. In Birmingham, a department manager notes steady flows of new players, joined by returns from competing licenses. This capillarity nurtures the commercial success beyond the launch peak. In summary, FC 26’s consistency is no accident: it results from a well-oiled live mechanism.
Mario Kart World confirms second place: the advantage of family racing games
Mario Kart World clings to the 2nd spot, evidence of an intact appetite for arcade racing on Switch 2. The formula is well known, yet still effective: immediate accessibility, short sessions, and instant fun. For households equipped at Christmas, it is the multiplayer title that “runs” as soon as the console is set up.
The signal is reinforced by another indicator: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe climbs to 5th place. Together, the two episodes anchor the franchise’s domination at year-end. With equal stock, physical versions benefit from strong visibility, often near controllers and accessories. This staging guides last-meter decisions.
A winning duo shaping the top sales of video games
The pair EA Sports FC 26 + Mario Kart World condenses the dominant uses: competition and conviviality. In stores, this couple attracts both regular players and supplemental purchases to enliven evenings. Moreover, it steers baskets towards a mix of games + accessories (steering wheels, extra controllers).
Meanwhile, price elasticity plays fully. Targeted promotions on headsets and online subscriptions add perceived value. This complete offer explains the stability of Mario Kart World’s 2nd place despite the pressure from FPS blockbusters. The lesson is clear: utility value weighs as much as novelty.
Top 10 physical sales in the United Kingdom: the week’s snapshot
The GfK report highlights a hierarchy consistent with year-end trends. Here is the weekly list observed in stores:
- EA Sports FC 26
- Mario Kart World
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
- Pokémon Legends: Z‑A
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Minecraft
- Battlefield 6
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Nintendo Switch Sports
- Grand Theft Auto V
This composition blends annual blockbusters and family safe bets. Notably, GTA V gains ground at the bottom, driven by ecosystem purchases. Conversely, Minecraft loses a spot, without losing its long-term untouchable status. The reading is clear: the diversity of the offer strengthens the resilience of the physical market.
Trends to watch for 2026: cycles, stocks, and player choices
Several signals deserve monitoring. The rise of Battlefield 6 confirms the impact of content updates on retail. Moreover, the sustained presence of Black Ops 7 illustrates the strength of the post-launch calendar. Finally, the simultaneous presence of two Mario Karts shows the console attachment effect, especially as Switch 2 stocks normalize.
Useful reminder: GfK data here reflects in-store sales. Digital may reorder the overall ranking, but the physical hierarchy reflects mass-market momentum. As such, the sports game + racing duo should continue to guide promotion choices. The market signal is strong.
What sales are included in this GfK ranking?
These are physical sales in stores in the United Kingdom. Digital downloads are not included in this specific report.
Why does EA Sports FC 26 stay at the top for so long?
The game combines a massive installed base, a regular live service, and a multi-platform presence. The holidays amplify these strengths thanks to bundles and gifts.
Do Mario Kart World and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe cannibalize each other?
No. Both titles target close audiences but with different uses depending on the console and household. Their coexistence reinforces the franchise’s visibility on shelves.
Did Ghost of Yotei sustainably affect the top sales?
The title took first place for one week before FC 26 recovered the leadership. The effect was temporary and linked to its launch.
Can promotions disrupt the January ranking?
Yes. Post-holiday sales often adjust positions, especially for titles with high perceived value in promotion or material bundles.