Football Manager 2026 is the most ambitious entry in the series to date, redefining the franchise after the cancelled FM25. With the switch to the Unity engine, the arrival of women’s football, and an official Premier League license, FM26 is a landmark moment for football simulation.
So, when is it out, what platforms is it on, and what has just been revealed? Here’s everything you need to know.
When does Football Manager 2026 release?
Football Manager 2026 is confirmed for late 2025. While an exact date isn’t locked in, the launch window follows the series’ traditional cycle. That means fans can expect FM26 in early-to-mid November, keeping in line with previous Football Manager releases.
Today, Sports Interactive release the Match Day First Look trailer, showcasing the brand-new match engine in action.
Football Manager 2026 Price & Where to Buy
Official pricing is yet to be announced, but expectations are in line with past entries:
- PC & Mac editions (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store) – around $59.99 / £44.99
- Console editions for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S at the same price point
- FM Touch for Nintendo Switch and tablets at a lower cost
Digital pre-orders are due to go live soon, with early access likely offered around two weeks before launch.
Platforms & Editions
FM26 rolls out across the usual platforms and tailored editions:
| Edition | Devices |
|---|---|
| Football Manager 2026 | PC, Mac |
| Football Manager 2026 Console | PS5, Xbox Series X |
| Football Manager 2026 Touch | Nintendo Switch, Tablets |
This mirrors the structure of previous years and ensures players can enjoy the game across desktop, console, and handheld devices.
Football Manager 2026 Trailer
The Match Day First Look trailer drops today, highlighting the most detailed match experience in the series so far. The footage shows off Unity-powered visuals, Premier League branding, and far more lifelike stadiums and player animations.
The teaser confirms that FM26 is not just an upgrade — it’s a total transformation of the matchday experience.
Early Access
Sports Interactive continues its tradition of early access for Football Manager. Pre-ordering through Steam or Epic Games is expected to unlock the beta roughly two weeks ahead of launch, letting PC and Mac players start their save early.
New Features in Football Manager 2026
FM26 introduces several franchise-firsts and overhauls:
- Unity Engine – Dramatically improved graphics, smoother animations, realistic ball physics, and lifelike stadium detail
- Premier League License – Official kits, player likenesses, branding, and logos for the entire league
- Women’s Football – For the first time, women’s leagues, clubs, and players are fully included in the FM database
- Revamped UI/UX – A cleaner, card-based interface that feels faster and more responsive across PC, console, and mobile
- Smarter Match AI – More realistic tactical decisions, deeper opposition intelligence, and refined player movement
Football Manager 2026 System Requirements
Final Word
FM 2026 is not just another yearly update — it’s the beginning of a new chapter. With the Unity engine upgrade, Premier League authenticity, and women’s football all finally arriving, FM26 is the boldest and most modern Football Manager yet.
The Match Day trailer shows exactly why this edition is the most exciting in two decades of simulation — and with November fast approaching, the countdown is already on.
