SEGA and Sports Interactive have just released the latest information regarding their upcoming managerial simulation game, Football Manager 26 or FM26. Through several trailers, three pillars of significant updates were revealed that will change the way virtual managers strategize.
FM26 is scheduled to release on November 5, 2025 for multiple platforms, marking the next evolution of this long-running series. The changes introduced are not only cosmetic, but also touch on the core of the gameplay that fans are already familiar with.
A More Modern Interface
One of the most fundamental changes in FM26 is the complete overhaul of the user interface (UI). The sidebar or sidebar that has been a hallmark over the years is now replaced by a slimmer top navigation bar. The aim is to provide faster and more intuitive access to all the important menus.
In addition, a "Portal" feature was introduced that serves as the main information center, where you can view news, messages, and match schedules all in one screen. The search function was also improved, allowing you to find any information in the game more easily, supported by a new feature called FMPedia which contains a complete guide.
A New Era with Women's Football
After a long wait, women's soccer has finally officially made its way into the world of Football Manager. FM26 will include a vast database, covering 14 leagues from 11 different countries. The development team ensured that the unique aspects of women's football are well represented, from the dynamics of the transfer market, to the contract system, to the different injury patterns.
To present physics and authentic animations, technology motion capture applied to professional female players. The presence of women's soccer is not as a separate mode, but rather fully integrated within the same game world as men's soccer.
Tactical Depth is Growing
For strategists, FM26 offers a deeper layer of tactics. The most crucial new feature is the ability to set up separate formations when the team is in possession of the ball (In Possession) and when losing the ball (Out of Possession). It provides much more detailed control over player movement and positioning in various phases of the game.
To help you understand the application of tactics, a feature called Visualizer Added. This tool will show how your team is structured on each line, both on offense and defense. These changes are designed to provide greater tactical freedom than before.
