Football Manager 26

Football Manager 26 was developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA, launching on November 4, 2025. It is available on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store, supporting both Windows and macOS. The game marks a return to form after the unexpected cancellation of Football Manager 25, which was originally planned for release in 2024 but was shelved due to internal restructuring and a strategic shift to a new game engine. FM26 is built on Unity, replacing the studio’s long-standing proprietary engine, and represents a major technical and creative overhaul for the franchise.

The game introduces a reimagined matchday experience with volumetric animations, improved player movement, and a broadcast-style presentation that enhances immersion. A standout feature is the full licensing of the English Premier League, including official club badges, kits, and player photos — a first for the series. Tactical control has been expanded with distinct In and Out of Possession formations, dynamic visualizers, and redefined player roles, allowing managers to shape their footballing philosophy with greater nuance and flexibility.

FM26 also debuts women’s football as a fully integrated part of the career mode. Players can manage 14 playable women’s leagues across 11 nations, including the Women’s Super League and the National Women’s Soccer League. This addition is not a separate mode but part of the core simulation, offering new challenges and career paths. The manager creation system has been revamped to include detailed backstories and visual customization, adding more narrative depth to each save.

Promotion for Football Manager 26 focused on rebuilding trust and excitement after the FM25 cancellation. Sports Interactive released a teaser trailer and a playable demo ahead of launch, showcasing the new match engine, Premier League licensing, and women’s football integration. The studio emphasized transparency, engaging with the community through forums, social media, and beta testing. Regular updates and patch notes were shared to highlight responsiveness and ongoing development.

Reception to FM26 has been mixed. While many praised the ambition behind the new engine and the inclusion of women’s football, early reviews on Steam were mostly negative, with only 25% of over 3,000 user reviews marked as positive. Criticism focused on performance issues, interface changes, and a perceived lack of polish in some systems. Sports Interactive responded with multiple updates, including version 26.0.4, rolled out across all supported platforms to address bugs and improve stability.

Despite its rocky launch, Football Manager 26 represents a bold reset for the franchise. The cancellation of FM25 created high expectations, and FM26 attempts to meet them with sweeping changes and expanded realism. With ongoing updates and community-driven development, the game continues to evolve. Its integration of licensed content, tactical depth, and inclusivity through women’s football positions it as a transformative entry in the Football Manager legacy.