Football Manager 26 Review - Premier League & Women Football

Football Manager 26 kicks off a new era for sports simulation fans. Launching November 4, 2025, on Steam, PC, Xbox Game Pass, consoles, and Apple Arcade (Touch Edition), it’s the first entry in the series powered by the Unity engine, a bold leap that reshapes visuals, performance, and immersion.

For long-time players, it’s a historic update. FM26 delivers official Premier League licensing, the long-awaited Women’s Football debut, and a redesigned Portal interface that modernizes the management experience from top to bottom.

Football Manager 26 : A Game-Changing Engine Upgrade

For the first time in the franchise’s history, Football Manager 26 moves to the Unity engine, marking a monumental shift for Sports Interactive. This upgrade introduces smoother animations, improved lighting, and lifelike stadium atmospheres. Matches feel more cinematic, while tactics and player movements appear sharper and more reactive than ever before.

The new match engine uses volumetric animations and deeper AI logic, allowing players to witness smarter decision-making on the pitch. Whether you’re orchestrating counterattacks or adjusting defensive lines, every move looks and feels grounded in authentic football physics.

Core Feature	Description
Engine	Unity Engine, first in franchise history
Release Date	November 4, 2025
Platforms	Steam, PC, Game Pass, Consoles, Apple Arcade
Licenses	Full Premier League, kits, logos, stadiums, faces
Special Additions	Women’s Football, Crossplay, Save Transfers

Premier League Perfection

The inclusion of official Premier League licensing makes FM26 the most realistic edition yet. Managers can now control every club with authentic kits, logos, player faces, and official branding. From Anfield to the Etihad, the visual immersion is complete.

Beyond cosmetic polish, this partnership enriches realism with true-to-life scouting data, enhanced player stats, and accurate fixture simulations. It’s a love letter to Premier League fans who’ve long wanted the authentic experience integrated directly into Football Manager.

Women’s Football Takes the Field

Football Manager 26 marks a historic moment: the full arrival of Women’s Football. Featuring 14 leagues across 11 nations, the women’s side of the game merges seamlessly with existing men’s leagues. Players can manage mixed organizations, handle shared training facilities, and experience integrated tactics, transfers, and competitions.

Over 35,000 new players join the database, representing clubs from England, France, Germany, Spain, and the USA, among others. This expansion isn’t just an addition, it’s a statement. The inclusion has been celebrated as a massive step toward true inclusivity in football gaming, with social media buzzing about the feature since its reveal.

Smarter Systems and Seamless Saves

FM26 introduces a Portal interface, a sleek design that streamlines every management layer, from transfers and scouting to analytics and press interactions. The menus feel modern, responsive, and intuitive, cutting down on micro-navigation fatigue.

The game also supports crossplay and complete save transfers from FM23 and FM24. Players can carry over their long-term careers, preserving years of tactical evolution. With Steam Deck support and Game Pass day-one availability, accessibility is better than ever.

Player Recruitment and Matchday Immersion

The new scouting and recruitment system dives deeper into realism. Scouts now provide dynamic feedback influenced by form, morale, and tactical fit. Reports evolve with match performance, creating an ecosystem that mirrors real-world football management.

On the pitch, matchdays feel more alive thanks to the Unity engine. Crowd reactions shift dynamically with momentum swings, while player body language and celebrations reflect emotional highs and lows. It’s football storytelling at its finest.

Football Manager 26 – Frequently Asked Questions

What’s new in Football Manager 26 compared to FM24?

FM26 debuts the Unity engine, full Premier League licensing, and integrated Women’s Football—all firsts in the series.

Will my FM23 or FM24 saves work in FM26?

Yes. You can transfer your saves directly, continuing your managerial journey seamlessly.

Is Football Manager 26 available on Game Pass?

Absolutely. FM26 launches day one on Xbox Game Pass, expanding access to millions of players.

What leagues are included in Women’s Football?

The debut features 14 leagues across 11 nations, including England, France, Germany, Spain, and the USA.

Does FM26 support crossplay and handheld devices?

Yes. It supports crossplay, Steam Deck, and Apple Arcade (Touch Edition) for portable play.

Final Verdict – The Beautiful Game, Rebuilt

Football Manager 26 is more than an annual update, it’s a reinvention. Powered by the Unity engine, it transforms the visual fidelity, realism, and pace of the game without losing its signature strategic depth. The arrival of Women’s Football and Premier League licensing mark watershed moments for inclusivity and authenticity in sports simulations.

This entry proves that Football Manager still leads the genre, evolving without compromise, expanding without losing soul. Whether you’re managing a grassroots side or the champions of Europe, FM26 makes every match feel meaningful, emotional, and alive.