After cancelling the 2025 edition, the latest installment in the popular soccer club management Sim series, “Football Manager 26,” was announced in the middle of last month, but today Sega and Sports Interactive have updated their official websites both domestically and internationally, and announced the release date of the latest release, and it has been revealed that they are scheduled to launch globally on November 4th, 2025.
In addition, along with the release date, an explanatory video with Japanese subtitles focusing on the latest release’s revamped UI/UX and refinement of the director’s experience will be released.
Furthermore, “Football Manager 26” will be the first title to use Unity engines in the series, as well as the same-day launch of the PS5/Xbox Series X|S and mobile versions, as well as the release of the Nintendo Switch version on December 4th, compatibility with FM24 and FM23 save data, and advance access for PC/Mac versions (scheduled to be released about two weeks before release), making it possible to expect further news.
“Football Manager 26” to be released on November 4th
The legacy of Football Manager 26 goes even further – FM26 will be released globally on November 4th.
The FM26 uses the Unity engine in the first time in the series. The soccer management experience will be completely redesigned and players will set up a stage where they can open up their own unique soccer careers.
Both FM26 Console (Xbox/PS5 version) and FM26 Mobile* (Netflix) will be launched on release date, while FM26 Touch (Nintendo Switch) will be released in a download version on December 4th. Details regarding the distribution of FM26 on other platforms will be released soon.
■ Gameplay evolution
FM26 takes the story of a soccer career to the next stage.
As we’ve already mentioned, the revamped user interface (UI) provides players with greater user experience and influence than ever before in career-driven decision-making.
The revamped UI combines the most immersive matchday in the series’ history. Volumetric animations that utilize actual match data and significantly improved visual expressions on the pitch bring more drama and impact to every match than ever before.
Furthermore, the introduction of the Premier League will take the evolved “FM” to the next stage. The fully licensed club logo, uniforms and official player photos will bring FM’s soccer realism to unprecedented heights.
Furthermore, the long-awaited women’s soccer has finally arrived. With a comprehensive database and numerous league licenses to be announced in the future, men’s and women’s soccer will be combined in one title. A whole new possibilities open up in the world of FM.
That’s not the only thing that has evolved. In transitioning to a new engine, new technology has been introduced that can convert traditional save data.
The FM26, FM26 Console, and FM26 Touch will be released with compatibility with FM2024 and FM2023 save data.
The FM26 Mobile also features the first save data compatibility function for the mobile version. **
More major upgrades are available, from transfer market strategy, tactical construction, managerial creation, and controller support.
Over the next few weeks, we will be delving deeper into new elements of FM26. Follow Football Manager’s social media, join FMFC, and check out more news.
■ Advance purchase information
If you pre-order “FM26” (PC/Mac version) from the Sega-approved online store between September 10th and the release date, you can purchase it at a 10% discount from the list price. Pre-orders for the FM26 Console (Xbox/PS5 version) will begin at a later date.
Those who have pre-ordered the PC or Mac versions can start their career as a director with early access. Early Access is available on Steam and Epic Games approximately two weeks before the official release date. ***Save data that begins during the early access period can be transferred after the release date update on November 4th.
Create the one and only world of soccer you envision with FM26. Now let’s bring about change in soccer.
*Of all platform titles, only “FM26 Mobile” does not support migration to the Unity engine.
**FM26 Mobile save data compatibility is only compatible with FM24 Mobile carriers.
***Early Access release dates and times may vary by platform.
Football Manager 26
■ If you pre-purchase FM26 now, you can get 10% off the regular price! Additionally, early access is available!
Let’s carve out your own soccer life on a newly evolved stage. Reborn with Unity Engine, FM26 brings you even more refined and evolved legacy from previous titles – an evolving story that will take you into a beautiful yet intense world of soccer.
The revamped UI and more immersive gameplay bring you to the heart of the pitch, further highlighting the moments that separate every decision from a win and a loss.
Build your team with a number of new tools that will be useful in transfers, and Build your own football philosophy with even more refined, top-notch tactical simulations.
■ An unprecedented game experience
The power of the Unity engine has brought the excitement of match-days to the culmination of the series’ history. Improved player animation and refined detailing on the pitch create even more depth and drama in every match.
A forward running through the defensive. A through pass that requires precision in millimeters. The goal moment that will determine the winner of the Cup. Everything has a sense of realism and evokes enthusiasm. New motion capture and volumetric animations make athletes more refined, and their individuality on the pitch is even richer.
■ Premier League joins
All of the official Premier League emblems, uniforms and player images, at the pinnacle of the English soccer world, have been newly implemented. You can experience the battle for the best domestic soccer title in a special seating space full of realism.
■ New arrival: Women’s Soccer
Women’s soccer is making its long-awaited first appearance. Women’s soccer, which has been seamlessly added to the world of FM, opens up new horizons. As a director, take on new challenges, unravel stories that have not been told before, and refine the rawness of talent.
■ Perfect management of perfect soccer
In order to accommodate the speed of modern supervision, the UI has been fundamentally reviewed, allowing all operations to be performed more clearly and intuitively. Through the newly implemented “portal,” the world of soccer will expand even further. The redesigned UI presents the information you need at the moment you need it. It enables more intuitive and efficient team management.
Create the one and only world of soccer you envision with FM26. And this is just the beginning. Follow @FootballManager on social media and don’t miss out on the latest updates.
Now let’s bring about change in soccer.
