Electronic Arts is pleased with the recent launch of FIFA 11.

According to internal company estimates, the game shattered previous sales records for the franchise through the first five days last week, selling a whopping 2.6 million copies at retail in North America and Europe.

EA claims FIFA 11 is now the fastest selling sports game ever.

"This is a landmark achievement for EA Sports - we've shattered sales records at retail, critics are praising FIFA 11 as being one of the most authentic and innovative titles ever, and fans are connecting and competing with other gamers around the world and have logged a record number of online connected game sessions," said Peter Moore, President of EA Sports.

EA estimates FIFA 11's sell-through is up 29 percent over last year's title and grossed more than $150M at retail. The first two days of the game's launch in Europe, October 1-2, was the busiest two-day period for online gaming in EA Sports history.

The publisher did not offer a region-by-region breakdown of sales figures.

EA also announced the FIFA 11 Ultimate Team mode will be available for free to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners this November.