How To Play 2 Player On Fifa Ps5: Step-by-step Guide

Setting up local multiplayer on your console shouldn't require reading a manual. Whether you're hosting a game night or matching up against a friend on the couch, getting a second controller working in EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) on the PS5 comes down to a few exact profile and menu actions.

If you've ever plugged in a secondary controller only to find it trapped in menus or unable to join a match, you're not alone. The console requires a distinct user profile or guest account assigned to that second DualSense pad before the game will register a second participant. Here is the exact, hassle-free method to get your match started immediately.

Connecting and Pairing Your Second DualSense Controller

Before launching the game, your PlayStation 5 needs to recognize the second hardware controller as an active input device tied to a distinct user.

1. Turn on your PS5 console and log into your primary profile using the first controller.
2. Take your second DualSense wireless controller and press the PS button once to turn it on.
3. When the profile selection screen pops up on your TV, do not select your main profile. Instead, choose Add User or select a pre-existing secondary profile.
4. If you don't want to sign into a separate PlayStation Network account, choose Play as a Guest. This creates a temporary profile instantly without requiring email credentials.
5. Verify that the player indicator lights below the PS5 controller's touchpad show a solid light for player two.

If the controller flashes orange and fails to connect wirelessly, plug it directly into the front USB port of your PS5 console using a USB-C data cable, then press the PS button again to sync it. For more details on system hardware management, check out the Official PlayStation Support page.

Setting Up a Local Match in Kick-Off Mode

Once both controllers are logged into separate profiles on the console interface, launch your soccer title from the home screen.

1. Navigate to the main menu and select Kick-Off, which serves as the primary mode for local head-to-head matches.
2. Choose your preferred match type, such as Classic Match or House Rules.
3. You will arrive at the side-selection screen where team jerseys are displayed.
4. On this screen, use the second controller to drag its cursor or press the corresponding prompt button to move into the opposing team box—or onto the same team box if you want to play co-op against the computer.
5. Once Player 1 and Player 2 are locked into their respective sides, pick your clubs, adjust your game settings, and proceed to the arena.

Configuring Co-Op and Tournament Modes

Beyond standard exhibition matches, you can team up with a friend on the same console to tackle online seasons or local tournaments together.

• Local Tournaments: Navigate to the Tournament tab from the main menu, set up a custom cup or league, and assign the second controller during the team assignment phase prior to starting the bracket.
• Co-Op Seasons: If you want to take your duo online against other pairs, enter the online Ultimate Team or Seasons hub, press the controller prompt to invite a local guest, and sign in with the second profile to lock both names onto the squad sheet.

To learn more about competitive online structures, visit the official EA Sports FC Hub.

Troubleshooting Common Controller Issues

Even with correct preparation, occasional bugs can prevent a second controller from registering inside a match. Work through these fixes if you run into roadblocks.

• The guest profile error: If the game blocks a second player due to account restrictions, make sure the guest user has permission to use network features or stick strictly to offline Kick-Off modes.
• Unresponsive inputs: If the game ignores the second controller entirely, close the application completely from the PS5 switcher, ensure both pads show up on the main system dashboard, and restart the game software.
• Duplicate user conflict: Never log both controllers into the exact same PSN profile simultaneously. The system cannot assign identical user IDs to two different hardware inputs within local competitive matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play 2-player on FIFA using an old PS4 controller on my PS5?

Sony restricts the use of DualShock 4 controllers to playing backward-compatible PS4 games only. Because current versions of soccer titles run natively as PS5 software, you must use two PS5 DualSense controllers to play local multiplayer.

Why is my second controller stuck as a spectator?

This usually happens if the controller hasn't been assigned to a distinct user account or guest login. Return to the PS5 home screen, ensure the second pad is tied to a secondary profile, and re-enter the team selection lobby.

Can four players play locally on the same console?

Yes. You can connect up to four separate controllers to a single PS5 console using the same profile-assignment method, allowing for 2v2 matches or four-player co-op modes in Kick-Off and tournament variations.