Football Manager 26: A fresh start after a year of silence

GAMING NEWS AlexP - Nov 3, 2025, 12:15 PM - 50 comments

After the surprising cancellation of Football Manager 25, all eyes are now on Football Manager 26 to prove that the wait was worth it. Fans of the long-running series have been eager for a true step forward, and this year’s release carries more weight than ever. The cancellation of last year’s entry created both frustration and anticipation — frustration because of the gap it left, but anticipation because it gave the developers time to rebuild and reimagine the experience from the ground up.

That extra year has set expectations sky-high. Football Manager 26 isn’t just another yearly update; it’s a statement of renewal. With a completely redesigned matchday experience and a modernized interface, the game aims to show that the franchise can still evolve without losing its identity. Fans expect smoother management tools, smarter decision-making from the AI, and a new level of immersion during matches. There’s a sense that this is more than just a continuation — it’s the start of a new era for digital football management.

One of the most exciting aspects of Football Manager 26 is its inclusion on Xbox Game Pass from day one. For fans, that means instant access without any extra cost beyond their existing subscription. It’s a game-changing move for accessibility, allowing new players to jump into the experience easily and giving long-time fans a simple way to test the latest version without commitment. This also opens the door to a much broader community, as console players who might have never tried the series before can now explore the full depth of its strategy and realism.

The addition of Game Pass access underlines how the series is evolving to meet modern gaming habits. It recognizes that convenience and accessibility are as important today as innovation and realism.

Why it deserves players’ attention

Beyond its accessibility, Football Manager 26 deserves attention for the ambition it represents. The game redefines what football management can feel like, combining improved visuals, deeper analysis tools, and a more intuitive experience. It’s built to reward strategic thinking and long-term planning, while also offering the drama, tension, and emotional highs that make football so addictive.

In short, the game stands as both a comeback and a promise — a sign that patience can indeed pay off when it’s matched by true evolution. Don’t forget to use our price comparison tool to find the best prices for Football Manager 26.

sosich2

Nov 13, 2025, 4:55 PM

They calling it the new era... Judging by the reception so far, the old fans aren't too happy with the game. But that doesn't mean much for new guys and those jumping on the game after years of staying away. For us, that's the new era.

Athemith

Nov 9, 2025, 6:56 AM

You talk about changes, but i don't see what changes are in this new game. Only the fact that the gamepass will make it better and AI has been reworked. I will try it on gamepass to see by myself. I saw comments talking about micro transactions. If there are some, i will definitely not pay more attention to the game :/ I hope this game will make me happy to play it xD

neekimyong

Nov 8, 2025, 8:34 PM

The decision to skip FM25 was risky, but FM26 shows why it was necessary. The game feels more polished, with smarter AI and a refreshed matchday atmosphere. Launching directly on Game Pass is a clever way to attract new players. There are still minor issues, but overall this release feels like a genuine restart for the series.

gif123

Nov 7, 2025, 3:11 PM

Football Manager 26, bir yıldır süren sessizliğin ardından sahaya dönüşünü güçlü bir mesajla yapıyor: bekleyiş boşa değildi. FM25’in iptaliyle oluşan boşluk, geliştiricilere seriyi baştan şekillendirme fırsatı vermiş gibi görünüyor. Yenilenmiş maç günü deneyimi, modern arayüz ve daha akıllı yapay zekâ, serinin köklerine sadık kalırken aynı zamanda geleceğe göz kırpıyor. Oyunun Xbox Game Pass’e ilk günden dahil edilmesi ise, hem erişilebilirliği artıran hem de yeni oyuncuları cezbeden önemli bir adım. Football Manager 26, yalnızca bir geri dönüş değil; serinin yeniden doğuşu hissini veriyor — hem strateji hem tutku dolu bir futbol yönetimi deneyimi arayanlar için dikkate değer bir adım.

Baris4hin

Nov 7, 2025, 1:53 PM

The fact that the game didn’t release last year and then returned with this new version has really raised expectations. It seems the developers made good use of that gap — the redesigned matchday experience and interface are especially impressive. Also, having it available on Xbox Game Pass from day one is a big plus in terms of accessibility, even though there are still some shortcomings and bugs.

lasota

Nov 12, 2025, 1:20 PM on dlcompare.es

I don't think it will mark a new era because this game is unplayable. As someone who put many hours into FM24, I honestly expected the same, but with better graphics. Nothing to see. This game is riddled with bugs and has many, many screens left over. Also, for every click in FM24, it takes between three and four. It's a lousy job and I don't understand how they could fail so badly. The developers made this game to play for half a season. It has no depth, no immersion, nothing. A mediocre, soulless game.

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wargamos

Nov 11, 2025, 9:22 AM on dlcompare.fr

After a blank year and the cancellation of the 2025 opus, the arrival of FM 26 marks a real challenge for Sports Interactive, which promises a major overhaul and new ambitions. However, this long wait is generating enormous pressure: if the innovations are interesting, the community will demand much more than a simple "new start". Trust must now be regained.

Nachos

Nov 11, 2025, 9:11 AM on dlcompare.fr

I agree in principle: FM26 marks a new departure, and it shows. The match engine is more fluid, the atmosphere more immersive, and you can feel that the game has tried to modernize itself after a year's break. But as a long-time player, I'm still a little disappointed. The interface is pretty but not super-practical, some of the options we loved have disappeared, and the game still lacks polish. You can feel the potential, but also that it's a foundation for the future rather than a culmination. In short: well-intentioned, incomplete execution. It's good to see FM evolve, but for the moment, it looks more like a transitional version than the revolution I'd hoped for. Personally, I'll keep playing it, but hope for a big patch soon.

morian741

Nov 10, 2025, 6:21 PM on dlcompare.nl

We have waited years for Football Manager, and the disappointment is as great as the enthusiasm and expectation of the players. It's not a terrible game per se; it's perfectly playable, but it adds shortcomings where they weren't needed. The graphics engine is a real plus; the matches are engaging and the gameplay is pretty good. The transfer area is a great addition. The tactical aspect with and without the ball is also a very good idea. New licenses are also a nice addition

Nargytur

Nov 10, 2025, 9:18 AM on dlcompare.es

With so much negativity surrounding the game, I really hope this franchise doesn't get cancelled.I understand the frustration of some players with the new interface and the new bugs it brought with it, but I still think it has a lot of potential, much more than before.The essence of the game is still there; if you know how to play FM, you know how to play this one, it's not that different, in my opinion.The only thing it lacks is the quality of life improvements that previous FM's had after years of development. The only thing it lacks is the quality of life improvements that previous FMs had after years of development. Still, this game was a breath of fresh air for a franchise that stagnated year after year with minimal improvements.