Football Manager series unveils initial sneak peek for version 26 in sports game development
Football Manager 26, the highly-anticipated addition to the popular sports management simulation game series, has officially been confirmed for release this fall. The announcement follows the cancellation of Football Manager 25, which was abruptly halted in February.
The new game promises a significant leap forward for the series, transitioning to the Unity engine, which will result in improved performance, enhanced graphics, and a more immersive Match Day experience. This upgrade will bring visually richer stadium environments and player movements, as well as better 3D match graphics and animations than previous entries.
One of the most exciting changes for Football Manager 26 is the inclusion of full Premier League licensing, a first for the series. This means official team logos, kits, player photos, and broadcast-style branding, significantly enhancing the game's authenticity.
Another significant addition is the introduction of women’s football for the first time in the series' history. This move reflects the growing global interest in women's football and is expected to broaden the game's appeal.
The game's User Interface (UI) is also set for a refresh, offering a more intuitive gameplay experience powered by the Unity engine. However, it remains unclear if the UI will stick to its pre-hiatus design.
The 2025/26 season squad and team updates will be included, covering leagues worldwide. There is also speculation about potential collaborations or increased synergy with EA Sports FC, but no official confirmation yet.
The release of Football Manager 26 will be available on multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and mobile devices (iOS and Android). Early access is planned several weeks before launch.
The cancellation of Football Manager 25, which marked the series' return after more than three decades of yearly releases, was due to several factors, chief among them the transition to Unreal Engine and the inclusion of women's football for the first time in franchise history.
The trailer for Football Manager 26 offers a glimpse of in-game match day visuals, but no specific details about the release date were offered. Early fan reactions to the new look of the game were lukewarm at best, but with the promise of improved performance and new features, expectations are high for Football Manager 26.
[1] Sports Interactive (2025). Football Manager 26: Official Announcement. [Online]. Available: https://www.sportsinteractive.com/football-manager-26
[2] Eurogamer (2025). Football Manager 26: What We Know So Far. [Online]. Available: https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2025-05-10-football-manager-26-what-we-know-so-far
[3] IGN (2025). Football Manager 26: A New Era. [Online]. Available: https://www.ign.com/articles/football-manager-26-a-new-era
[4] PC Gamer (2025). Football Manager 26: Everything We Know. [Online]. Available: https://www.pcgamer.com/football-manager-26-everything-we-know/
[5] GamesRadar+ (2025). Football Manager 26: What We Know About the Next Game. [Online]. Available: https://www.gamesradar.com/football-manager-26-what-we-know-about-the-next-game/
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