After a two-year absence, Football Manager, the iconic football simulator game famous for its cult following, in-depth scouting database and making emails and admin cool, is finally back.
For years, players have been able to pick up any challenge imaginable, from rebuilding fallen giants like Manchester United to taking a grassroots team to the very top of Europe. But this year, debuting on the Unity engine, FM26 brings a whole host of changes and features as the game enters a new phase.
“We’re seeing sparkles come off these trophies and they look that much more realistic in those cinematic moments”
Managers now have greater control over their tactics than ever before, with the ability to construct set-ups both in and out of possession, a much closer reflection of modern-day coaching, while the matches themselves have undergone a major facelift. However, the biggest step towards realism – essential to any football video game – is undoubtedly the introduction of women’s football.
“We knew we were going to be integrating women’s football into the game, which we didn’t want to do until we were ready,” explains Danny Quin, from Sports Interactive’s art and animation team. “That involved getting a database that’s at a stage that we can apply it, and having the character models and motion in a position where there was parity with the men’s game. It’s exciting to have both align in the new generation of Football Manager.
“We’ve been creating this game for men’s football for a long time, each year capturing a little bit more, adding a bit more detail. We’re having to do a lot of that in one go for women’s football. So, getting as much of that captured as possible was a task in itself, with specific people brought in so that we can launch with as much parity as possible between those two.”
After a two-year absence, Football Manager, the iconic football simulator game famous for its cult following, in-depth scouting database and making emails and admin cool, is finally back.
For years, players have been able to pick up any challenge imaginable, from rebuilding fallen giants like Manchester United to taking a grassroots team to the very top of Europe. But this year, debuting on the Unity engine, FM26 brings a whole host of changes and features as the game enters a new phase.
“We’re seeing sparkles come off these trophies and they look that much more realistic in those cinematic moments”
Managers now have greater control over their tactics than ever before, with the ability to construct set-ups both in and out of possession, a much closer reflection of modern-day coaching, while the matches themselves have undergone a major facelift. However, the biggest step towards realism – essential to any football video game – is undoubtedly the introduction of women’s football.
“We knew we were going to be integrating women’s football into the game, which we didn’t want to do until we were ready,” explains Danny Quin, from Sports Interactive’s art and animation team. “That involved getting a database that’s at a stage that we can apply it, and having the character models and motion in a position where there was parity with the men’s game. It’s exciting to have both align in the new generation of Football Manager.
“We’ve been creating this game for men’s football for a long time, each year capturing a little bit more, adding a bit more detail. We’re having to do a lot of that in one go for women’s football. So, getting as much of that captured as possible was a task in itself, with specific people brought in so that we can launch with as much parity as possible between those two.”
So, it’s more representative of the world it endeavours to reflect, but does FM26 manage to capture the atmosphere of the Champions League? Well, in that respect, the benefits of the new match engine are plain to see. Even before kick-off, you’re immersed in crystal-clear Champions League branding, from official tunnel and star-spangled carpet to shirt-sleeve badges – and the actual podium the match ball sits on as you walk out past the iconic starball flag.
Successfully win the Champions League and you’ll find yourself picking up your hard-earned winners’ medal and lifting the trophy on the very same podium you’ve seen on TV so many times. For those of us who will never get closer to European glory than a laptop screen in our kitchens, it’s certainly a more realistic experience than in previous editions.
“In our cutscenes, we’re seeing trophies and match balls in greater detail,” Quin adds. “We also had to previously fake reflections on the trophies, but now we’ve got legitimate reflections in there. We’re seeing sparkles come off these trophies and they look that much more realistic in those cinematic moments.”
Ultimately, this new instalment represents a new baseline for what is possible for the series. Sure, many of the changes will take some getting used to – like the new-look UI where your beloved emails once ruled the roost – but this game comes closer than any before to bringing your managerial dreams to life. In fact, there’s no longer any need to put on your best suit, conduct pre-match interviews into a hairbrush and blare out the Champions League anthem before your first final.
Well, there’s no need, but some traditions are worth keeping.
Get your hands on your own Football Manager 2026 here
After a two-year absence, Football Manager, the iconic football simulator game famous for its cult following, in-depth scouting database and making emails and admin cool, is finally back.
For years, players have been able to pick up any challenge imaginable, from rebuilding fallen giants like Manchester United to taking a grassroots team to the very top of Europe. But this year, debuting on the Unity engine, FM26 brings a whole host of changes and features as the game enters a new phase.
“We’re seeing sparkles come off these trophies and they look that much more realistic in those cinematic moments”
Managers now have greater control over their tactics than ever before, with the ability to construct set-ups both in and out of possession, a much closer reflection of modern-day coaching, while the matches themselves have undergone a major facelift. However, the biggest step towards realism – essential to any football video game – is undoubtedly the introduction of women’s football.
“We knew we were going to be integrating women’s football into the game, which we didn’t want to do until we were ready,” explains Danny Quin, from Sports Interactive’s art and animation team. “That involved getting a database that’s at a stage that we can apply it, and having the character models and motion in a position where there was parity with the men’s game. It’s exciting to have both align in the new generation of Football Manager.
“We’ve been creating this game for men’s football for a long time, each year capturing a little bit more, adding a bit more detail. We’re having to do a lot of that in one go for women’s football. So, getting as much of that captured as possible was a task in itself, with specific people brought in so that we can launch with as much parity as possible between those two.”
After a two-year absence, Football Manager, the iconic football simulator game famous for its cult following, in-depth scouting database and making emails and admin cool, is finally back.
For years, players have been able to pick up any challenge imaginable, from rebuilding fallen giants like Manchester United to taking a grassroots team to the very top of Europe. But this year, debuting on the Unity engine, FM26 brings a whole host of changes and features as the game enters a new phase.
“We’re seeing sparkles come off these trophies and they look that much more realistic in those cinematic moments”
Managers now have greater control over their tactics than ever before, with the ability to construct set-ups both in and out of possession, a much closer reflection of modern-day coaching, while the matches themselves have undergone a major facelift. However, the biggest step towards realism – essential to any football video game – is undoubtedly the introduction of women’s football.
“We knew we were going to be integrating women’s football into the game, which we didn’t want to do until we were ready,” explains Danny Quin, from Sports Interactive’s art and animation team. “That involved getting a database that’s at a stage that we can apply it, and having the character models and motion in a position where there was parity with the men’s game. It’s exciting to have both align in the new generation of Football Manager.
“We’ve been creating this game for men’s football for a long time, each year capturing a little bit more, adding a bit more detail. We’re having to do a lot of that in one go for women’s football. So, getting as much of that captured as possible was a task in itself, with specific people brought in so that we can launch with as much parity as possible between those two.”
After a two-year absence, Football Manager, the iconic football simulator game famous for its cult following, in-depth scouting database and making emails and admin cool, is finally back.
For years, players have been able to pick up any challenge imaginable, from rebuilding fallen giants like Manchester United to taking a grassroots team to the very top of Europe. But this year, debuting on the Unity engine, FM26 brings a whole host of changes and features as the game enters a new phase.
“We’re seeing sparkles come off these trophies and they look that much more realistic in those cinematic moments”
Managers now have greater control over their tactics than ever before, with the ability to construct set-ups both in and out of possession, a much closer reflection of modern-day coaching, while the matches themselves have undergone a major facelift. However, the biggest step towards realism – essential to any football video game – is undoubtedly the introduction of women’s football.
“We knew we were going to be integrating women’s football into the game, which we didn’t want to do until we were ready,” explains Danny Quin, from Sports Interactive’s art and animation team. “That involved getting a database that’s at a stage that we can apply it, and having the character models and motion in a position where there was parity with the men’s game. It’s exciting to have both align in the new generation of Football Manager.
“We’ve been creating this game for men’s football for a long time, each year capturing a little bit more, adding a bit more detail. We’re having to do a lot of that in one go for women’s football. So, getting as much of that captured as possible was a task in itself, with specific people brought in so that we can launch with as much parity as possible between those two.”
So, it’s more representative of the world it endeavours to reflect, but does FM26 manage to capture the atmosphere of the Champions League? Well, in that respect, the benefits of the new match engine are plain to see. Even before kick-off, you’re immersed in crystal-clear Champions League branding, from official tunnel and star-spangled carpet to shirt-sleeve badges – and the actual podium the match ball sits on as you walk out past the iconic starball flag.
Successfully win the Champions League and you’ll find yourself picking up your hard-earned winners’ medal and lifting the trophy on the very same podium you’ve seen on TV so many times. For those of us who will never get closer to European glory than a laptop screen in our kitchens, it’s certainly a more realistic experience than in previous editions.
“In our cutscenes, we’re seeing trophies and match balls in greater detail,” Quin adds. “We also had to previously fake reflections on the trophies, but now we’ve got legitimate reflections in there. We’re seeing sparkles come off these trophies and they look that much more realistic in those cinematic moments.”
Ultimately, this new instalment represents a new baseline for what is possible for the series. Sure, many of the changes will take some getting used to – like the new-look UI where your beloved emails once ruled the roost – but this game comes closer than any before to bringing your managerial dreams to life. In fact, there’s no longer any need to put on your best suit, conduct pre-match interviews into a hairbrush and blare out the Champions League anthem before your first final.
Well, there’s no need, but some traditions are worth keeping.
Get your hands on your own Football Manager 2026 here
After a two-year absence, Football Manager, the iconic football simulator game famous for its cult following, in-depth scouting database and making emails and admin cool, is finally back.
For years, players have been able to pick up any challenge imaginable, from rebuilding fallen giants like Manchester United to taking a grassroots team to the very top of Europe. But this year, debuting on the Unity engine, FM26 brings a whole host of changes and features as the game enters a new phase.
“We’re seeing sparkles come off these trophies and they look that much more realistic in those cinematic moments”
Managers now have greater control over their tactics than ever before, with the ability to construct set-ups both in and out of possession, a much closer reflection of modern-day coaching, while the matches themselves have undergone a major facelift. However, the biggest step towards realism – essential to any football video game – is undoubtedly the introduction of women’s football.
“We knew we were going to be integrating women’s football into the game, which we didn’t want to do until we were ready,” explains Danny Quin, from Sports Interactive’s art and animation team. “That involved getting a database that’s at a stage that we can apply it, and having the character models and motion in a position where there was parity with the men’s game. It’s exciting to have both align in the new generation of Football Manager.
“We’ve been creating this game for men’s football for a long time, each year capturing a little bit more, adding a bit more detail. We’re having to do a lot of that in one go for women’s football. So, getting as much of that captured as possible was a task in itself, with specific people brought in so that we can launch with as much parity as possible between those two.”
