In The Grounds in EA SPORTS FC 27 (sometimes searched as "FIFA 27"), you're in the queue for a Kickabout but nothing starts, your friends aren't on your team, or your AMP seems disabled? This guide covers how EA Help describes Kickabouts and turns it into a diagnosis.
The rules quoted come from the EA Help article on Kickabouts in FC 27, checked on 27 October 2026. The Grounds is only available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2.
Problem
- You wait in the queue zone and the match never starts.
- You can't find a Kickabout on the map.
- Your friends join another match or aren't on your team.
- Your AMP or emote doesn't work during the activity.
Quick diagnosis
| Symptom | Likely cause | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| The queue doesn't fill up | Not enough players in your Grounds world | Step 2 |
| You're waiting on the sidelines | The current match isn't over, or too many matches are running for that activity | Step 3 |
| Friends not on your team | Queue joined without the party option | Step 4 |
| AMP disabled, no emote | Normal Kickabout behaviour | Step 5 |
Step 1: join a Kickabout correctly
When to use it: you don't know how to start the activity or can't find it.
Suggested solution
- Open the map in The Grounds: the icon is at the top left of the screen.
- Select the Kickabout you want.
- Select Travel when available, or make your way to the pitch.
- Read the information board next to the pitch: it explains the rules, how to score and whether AMPs apply.
- Enter the queue zone and select Play.
Expected result: the queue shows how many players are needed and how many are waiting.
Step 2: not enough players in your world
When to use it: the queue counter stays below the required number.
Suggested solution
- Compare the two numbers shown by the queue: players needed and players waiting.
- If players are missing, open the map and look for white dots: they show areas where more players are gathering.
- Pick a Kickabout in a busier area, or an activity that needs fewer players (see the table below).
Expected result: the queue fills up and the activity starts as soon as the required number is reached.
Step 3: match in progress or busy activity
When to use it: the queue is full but you stay on the sidelines.
Suggested solution
- If the current match isn't over, wait: you can watch it from the sidelines.
- Some activities start a separate match without waiting for the pitch to become available; others don't.
- If there are too many matches happening for that specific Kickabout, try another activity or come back later.
Expected result: your match starts when the current one ends, or you join another one without waiting.
Step 4: play with your friends on the same team
When to use it: your friends are in another match or on the opposing team.
Suggested solution
- When you enter the queue zone, choose the option to queue with your party. This sends an invite to your party members.
- When they accept the invite, they join the queue and are on your team.
- If your friends aren't in the same world as you, regroup first: see Friends in another world in The Grounds in EA SPORTS FC 27: get back together.
The Grounds supports cross-play across PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Expected result: your party enters the same queue and plays on the same team.
Step 5: AMPs and emotes disabled
When to use it: your AMP shows as disabled or you can't use an emote.
Suggested solution
- AMPs don't apply during Kickabouts. Your Archetype card can show your AMP as disabled during the activity.
- Good news: playing a Kickabout doesn't reduce an AMP's remaining match duration or durability.
- Emotes aren't enabled in Kickabouts. Your equipped emote appears on the Top Players screen after the match.
Expected result: you know this is intended behaviour, not a bug.
The seven types of Kickabouts
| Activity | How it works | Players stated by EA |
|---|---|---|
| Bocce Ball | Kick your ball into a target zone without overshooting it; avoid Dead Zones | Three-player free-for-all |
| Balloon Ball | Hit another player with the ball to remove one of their three balloons | Four-player free-for-all |
| Bucketball | Score in the opposing basket (2 or 3 points) | Team activity |
| The Big Race | Obstacle course while keeping possession | Not specified |
| Team Keep Away | Keep possession; passing increases the multiplier | 3v3 |
| Scenarios | Complete the on-screen objective with a supporting teammate | Not specified |
| Goal Control | Score in several goals to take control of them | 1v1 |
The 1v1, 2v2 and 3v3 Street Football games aren't Kickabouts, even though they also use an information board and a queue.
Rewards, objectives and events
- Kickabouts earn Archetype XP and Grounds Coins, and some activities contribute to Grounds objectives.
- To see your objectives: open the World Map, then the Objectives tab.
- A timer icon over a pitch marks a limited-time live event, sometimes with its own rules and objectives. Read its details before joining the queue.
If the problem is a dropping connection or an unreachable world, see the EA article Troubleshoot The Grounds connection issues in EA SPORTS FC 27.
Final check
- ☐ You entered the queue zone and selected Play.
- ☐ The queue shows enough players, otherwise you moved to an area with white dots.
- ☐ Your party was invited through the party queue option.
- ☐ You know AMPs and emotes are disabled in these activities.
Sources
- EA Help: How to play Kickabouts in EA SPORTS FC 27
- EA Help: How Amps work in EA SPORTS FC 27
- EA Help: How to navigate The Grounds in EA SPORTS FC 27
Any questions?
Reply to this topic with your platform, the Kickabout concerned, what the queue shows (players needed and waiting) and whether you're playing alone or in a party. Never share your EA ID, email address or password.