After a year-long hiatus following the cancellation of Football Manager 25, Sports Interactive has officially announced the return of its flagship football simulation series with Football Manager 26. The studio describes the upcoming release as the most “immersive and visually rich Football Manager experience yet”, introducing major technical and licensing upgrades that aim to redefine the franchise.
For the first time in the series' history, Football Manager 26 will feature full Premier League licensing. This includes official team logos, kits, player photos, and broadcast-style branding, offering fans an unprecedented level of authenticity. The announcement trailer showcased matchday visuals with Premier League assets, generating widespread enthusiasm across the community.
A key technical leap for FM26 is its transition to the Unity engine. This change promises improved performance, enhanced animations, and a more immersive matchday experience. Sports Interactive has confirmed that stadium environments, player movements, and overall presentation will benefit from the engine's capabilities, marking a significant step forward in visual fidelity.
Another milestone for the franchise is the introduction of women's football. While full details are yet to be revealed, the studio has confirmed that female teams and players will be included in FM26, expanding the scope of the game and reflecting the growing global interest in the women's game.
Football Manager 26 is scheduled for release in Fall 2025, with early access expected several weeks prior. The game will be available across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and iOS and Android mobile devices.
