SEGA and Sports Interactive have announced Football Manager 26 will launch globally on November 4, 2025, marking the franchise’s transition to Unity engine and introducing groundbreaking features including Premier League licensing and Women’s Football integration.
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Football Manager 26: Unity Engine Revolution
After skipping FM25 to focus on development, Sports Interactive returns with their most ambitious release yet, powered by Unity engine for the first time in the series’ history.
Release Timeline Overview
| Platform | Release Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| PC/Mac | November 4, 2025 | 10% pre-purchase discount, Early Access 2 weeks prior |
| Xbox/PS5 | November 4, 2025 | Day-one launch |
| Nintendo Switch | December 4, 2025 | Digital release only |
| Mobile (Netflix) | November 4, 2025 | Netflix exclusive |
Major New Features
Premier League Official Licensing:
- Fully-licensed club logos and official kits
- Official player photographs for authentic experience
- Ultimate stage for the redefined managerial experience
Women’s Football Integration:
- Seamlessly integrated into the FM ecosystem
- Most comprehensive database of its kind
- Licensed competitions to be revealed soon
Unity Engine Benefits:
- Reimagined user interface for greater control
- Most immersive matchday experience yet
- New volumetric animations from real-life matches
- Gloriously upgraded on-pitch visuals
Save Game Compatibility
Despite the engine change, FM26 maintains save game compatibility with Football Manager 2024 and Football Manager 2023. This marks the first time FM Mobile will feature save compatibility (limited to FM24 Mobile careers).
Pre-Purchase Benefits
PC and Mac players receive 10% discount when pre-purchasing from SEGA-approved digital retailers. Advanced Access becomes available approximately two weeks before launch on Steam and Epic Games, with single-player careers transferring to the full release.
Technical Advancement
The Unity engine transition represents the “biggest technical and visual advancement for the series” yet, following the strategic decision to skip FM25 for additional development time.
This engine switch enables enhanced performance, improved visuals, and sets the foundation for future innovations in the franchise.
Platform Availability
Console pre-orders (Xbox/PS5) will launch later, with further platform announcements coming in the coming weeks. The comprehensive launch strategy ensures day-one availability across major gaming platforms.
According to Sports Interactive, FM26 represents “the legacy, redefined” where “football belongs to you and your vision”.
FAQs
Will my old Football Manager saves work in FM26?
Yes, FM26 supports save game compatibility for Football Manager 2024 and Football Manager 2023 despite the engine change.
When can I start playing FM26 before the official release?
PC/Mac pre-purchasers get Advanced Access approximately 2 weeks before November 4 on Steam and Epic Games.
