Leaked: eFootball 2026 to Feature New Pack Opening Animation Inspired by Classic PES

If you're still chasing those elusive Epic cards, this might be the kind of update you've been waiting for. According to recent leaks, eFootball 2026 is set to introduce a brand-new pack opening animation — and it’s already making waves for its nostalgic flair and cinematic style.

A Fresh Take on Pack Openings — With Classic Vibes

The leaked footage, reportedly from the Chinese version of the game, showcases the first half of this upcoming animation. Here’s what players can expect:

• A player runs forward to kick a ball positioned at the center of the screen.
• Scrolling eFootball logo plates add a dynamic background.
• Once the ball lands, your player tier is revealed — such as a 4-star rating — followed by a dramatic player reveal sequence.

This new style strongly evokes the legendary black ball openings from the PES (Pro Evolution Soccer) era. Fans of the older series will fondly remember the spinning Silver, Gold, and Black balls, and that split-second thrill when it landed on a rare pull — sometimes even with a thunderstorm effect for the ultimate drama.

A Needed Upgrade Over Recent eFootball Animations

Since the franchise rebranded from PES to eFootball, pack opening animations have seen several iterations. But most fans agree: they lacked the flair and suspense of their predecessors. In eFootball 2022 and 2023, the animations were relatively basic — usually just a lit stadium and a quick player reveal.

While the current animation isn’t bad — featuring a glowing stadium and Epic card indicators through red, orange, and yellow lighting — it has its flaws. Some Epic pulls don’t trigger the visual cues at all, which makes the experience feel inconsistent and underwhelming.

The eFootball 2026 animation, however, looks like it may solve these issues by delivering more consistent visual feedback and a deeper sense of occasion.

Release Window and Final Thoughts

It’s worth noting that this animation hasn’t been officially confirmed by Konami yet. Still, leaks suggest that the update will go live alongside the launch of eFootball 2026, expected in mid-August 2025.

One thing to keep in mind: early impressions suggest the animation might be slightly longer, which opens the door for a flood of fake “pack opening tips and tricks” from YouTubers — just like in the PES days. But remember: every draw is random — no trick will beat luck.

So, whether you're a nostalgic veteran or a new-gen player, this new animation might just bring back the magic of opening packs — one kick at a time.