It’s been a strange year to be a Football Manager fan. No beta to look forward to, no launch-day save planning, and no frantic “who should I manage first?” group chats.
Just… quiet.
That changes now. A recently published SEGA business report has confirmed that Football Manager 2026 is set for release in Fall 2025 – the first new FM we’ll have had in over a year.
What the leak says
The detail was tucked inside SEGA’s financial update: FM26 is planned for the second half of the fiscal year. Translated from corporate to FM fan language? We’re looking at October–November 2025.
It fits the series’ usual rhythm – September announcement, late October early-access beta, and full release in early November.
Filling the FM25-shaped gap
FM25 was supposed to be huge. A brand new Unity engine. A cleaner, faster UI. Women’s football fully integrated for the first time. But when it became clear the game wouldn’t hit the quality bar, SI made the call to cancel it outright.
All of that work – every feature, every improvement – has been pushed into FM26. It’s been a long wait, but the version we get should be the complete package rather than a half-finished compromise.
Why this release date window matters
Having a confirmed FM26 release date window flips the switch from waiting to planning. Creators can start prepping content, database makers can begin building, and the rest can start dreaming about our first save.
It’s also a sign that the Unity transition – the biggest tech leap the series has ever made – is far enough along for SEGA to confidently commit to a launch season.
The likely FM26 launch timeline
If they stick to tradition, here’s what we’re looking at:
| Stage | Likely Date Range | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement & trailer | Early–mid Sept 2025 | First gameplay footage, feature list |
| Beta / Early Access | Late Oct 2025 | Two weeks early for pre-orders |
| Full Release | Early–mid Nov 2025 | Public launch |
And if I had to guess? Friday 7th November or Friday 14th November.
Features we expect on day one
While the SEGA report didn’t get into specifics, here’s what’s almost certain to be there:
- Unity engine debut – better animations, lighting, and overall performance
- Fully integrated women’s football – playable alongside the men’s game. If that’s where your interest lies, we’re covering every angle over at Women’s Football FM – from save ideas to league guides and player shortlists for FM26.
- Refined UI – cleaner menus, faster navigation
- Wider platform release – PC/Mac, consoles, mobile, and Game Pass
The start of a new era
Jumping straight from FM24 to FM26 means skipping the usual small improvements. Instead, we’re heading into a major engine change, a landmark addition for representation in the game, and a bigger platform reach than ever.
Fall 2025 won’t just be “another FM release” – it’s going to feel like a reset.
What’s next
If SI keep their usual playbook:
- Early September – Official announcement and trailer drop
- Late October – Beta release for pre-orders
- Early November – Full release
For now, we’ve at least got a date to aim for, and that alone changes how the next few months feel. Whether you’re already planning your first FM26 save or just relieved to know the wait has an end date, Fall 2025 can’t come soon enough.
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