Gameplay changes to FIFA 20 focus primarily on a new feature titled VOLTA Football.[8] The mode, which translates to 'return' in Portuguese, focuses on street football rather than the traditional matches associated with the FIFA series, similar to the FIFA Street series.[9] It includes several options to play in three versus three, four versus four and five versus five matches, as well as with professional futsal rules.[10] The mode will incorporate the same engine, but places emphasis on skill and independent play rather than tactical or team play.[11]
Additionally, players have the option to create their custom player by gender, clothing, shoes, hats, accessories and tattoos.[12] Following the completion of the three-part series "The Journey" in FIFA 19, players are now able to follow a similar storyline mode in VOLTA Football, which would be played with the player's own character.[6] Alex Hunter also makes a cameo in the game, along with his agent Beatriz Villanova.
Changes were also made to the traditional 11 versus 11 mode to encourage more one-on-ones and off-the-ball space creation. New penalty and free-kick mechanics were implemented and updates were made to the ball physics.[13]
VOLTA Football includes 17 locations, with each providing a unique experience. In addition to the generic warehouse and parking lot, VOLTA Football features venues based in real-life cities, namely Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Lagos, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, New York City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome and Tokyo.[14]
Commentary is once again provided by Martin Tyler and Alan Smith and alternating with Derek Rae and Lee Dixon for all competitions, with Alan McInally providing in-game score updates and Geoff Shreeves providing pitch-side injury updates.
Each player has his own overall rating, with Lionel Messi having the highest rating in the game with a 94.[15]