Football Manager 26 officially drops on November 4, ushering in a new generation of football management powered by Unity.
Here’s everything confirmed so far and what it means for players across PC, console, mobile and Switch.
What Unity Changes in FM26
For the first time, FM runs on Unity. That means a full engine shift, and it changes more than visuals. Unity brings a reworked UI, better animations using real match data, and a sharper tactical system. Everything from transfers to manager creation is rebuilt to feel faster and more modern. It also lays the groundwork for future updates across all platforms.
Matchday gets a serious overhaul. Player movement now benefits from new animation tech with smoother transitions. Visuals are cleaner, aiming to capture match intensity. Controller support is improved, which helps console players and those on gamepads.
FM26 also lands the full Premier League license. That means official club logos, kits and player photos. No more placeholders. If you manage in England, it looks the way it should.
Football Manager 26 Release Date, Platform and Access
FM26 launches on:
- PC and Mac (Steam, Epic): full version on November 4
- Xbox and PS5: FM Console, same day
- Mobile (Netflix): FM Mobile, same day, not on Unity yet
- Nintendo Switch: FM Touch, digital on December 4
Saves from FM24 carry into FM26 on PC, Console and Touch. Mobile saves work from FM24 Mobile only. It keeps long-term careers alive, no matter where you play.
Pre-purchase on PC or Mac from a SEGA-approved store to get:
- 10 % discount
- Advanced Access (about two weeks early)
FM26 New Features
This shift to Unity is more than cosmetic. It marks a new phase for Football Manager. The engine makes it easier to support all platforms with fewer compromises. Visuals, UI and match systems are just the start. It sets up long-term improvements across the board.
FM26 also debuts women’s football. It is fully integrated with licensed competitions and a shared database. The game now simulates men’s and women’s football together. More details are coming, but the foundation is set.
Cross-platform development is improving too. Shared features and near-simultaneous launches make FM feel more unified. Console players get better controller handling and gameplay. Mobile players get save continuity and longer progression.
The Premier League license boosts immersion and polish. The UI, kits and visuals now reflect what fans expect. It helps the game feel complete.
Sports Interactive is teasing live updates and feature drops. FMFC members will get previews, rewards and bonus content. It could be worth signing up if you want early info.
FM26 is shaping up to be the biggest version yet:
- PC gets upgraded visuals and smoother menus
- Console players get tighter controls and official content
- Mobile fans finally keep their saves
What Does Unity Really Mean for FM?
Unity is not just a new look. It changes how FM is built, updated and maintained. Features from PC can now move across to console and mobile without being remade. Updates, bug fixes and tweaks can roll out faster.
It also helps FM feel more modern. UI scaling, better animations and stronger match graphics are all possible now. Unity is easier to optimize, so the game should run better on more setups.
The big win is smarter systems. AI, tactics and player behavior all benefit from better tools. That means richer saves, more realism and deeper simulation. FM now has more room to grow.
Women’s Football and the Bigger Picture
Adding women’s football is a big shift for the series. It uses the same engine, systems and simulation. Sports Interactive built a full scouting database and signed licenses to make it work.
It also brings new challenges. Squad building, youth development and tactics may shift based on player traits and league structures. Players who want something fresh will find a lot to explore.
For many fans, this was long overdue. With FM26, it finally arrives. You can manage top women’s teams or blend both careers in one save. Either way, it’s a major addition.