Football Manager 26 Reviews
Football Manager 26 marks the beginning of a new era. Unity brings with it a breath of fresh air, but that step forward has led to two steps back: the UI is dispersive, almost unbelievable in its capriciousness. In a management game where control is everything and analysis is also crucial, appearing with such cluttered screens is problematic
Review in Italian | Read full review
Football Manager 26 lays down a solid new foundation for the series' next era with engaging tactical systems and addictive management simulation, even if it stumbles with UI issues.
Football Manager 2026 is a robust and well-crafted new entry in the series, albeit one that comes with a few imperfections. The new in-game engine is a clear step forward, and the refreshed design injects a welcome sense of modernity. However, the stronger focus on consoles is noticeable, and some long-standing PC features no longer function as seamlessly as in previous iterations. Despite these issues, the game’s hallmark strengths — tactical depth, squad dynamics, and long-term engagement — remain as compelling as ever. Veterans of the series will once again find themselves immersed for months, while newcomers are greeted with an impressively intricate and authentic football management simulation. Minor shortcomings aside, Football Manager continues to embody a deep love for the sport. The series’ new direction is evident, yet it remains true to its core identity. That said, it is also clear that the team at Sports Interactive still has considerable work ahead to refine and fully realize this new era of the franchise.
Review in German | Read full review
SI's gap year was well spent on a fantastic match engine update, but progress is still too slow between games.
FM 26 remains the best management sim available, and it’s easy to lose hours to its deep, endlessly rewarding gameplay loop.
Football Manager 26 is finally back, and the work done is undoubtedly of the highest quality and taste. The primary goal was to revamp the game and start from scratch, but obviously the tried-and-true gameplay formula couldn't be completely overturned.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Overall, FM26 has impressed me but frustrated me just as much. We've finally got an improved match engine, women's football, and my favourite addition, the new in and out of possession tactic set-up, but I can't shake this feeling that too many changes have been made to the UI. For a game where you spend a lot of time in the menus, I feel that a lot of unnecessary and frustrating changes were made, that's left me finding it difficult to navigate my way around the game. When comparing it to FM24, improvements have been made, but there are also a few factors I've not enjoyed. So, all in all, FM26 is a fine addition to the Football Manager series, but it's far from groundbreaking.
Football Manager 26 has the potential to become one of the best games in the series. All the pieces are in place, but right now I feel torn between enthusiasm for the potential and frustration with the current state of this production. Great new features are not enjoyable when the basic functionality of the game has problems.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Football Manager 26 represents the biggest change for the franchise in two decades, with improved tactical options and the best match engine in series history. FM26 is still a strong offering, although some missing features combined with the need to learn a whole new UI might be too much of a challenge for series veterans.
The duality of man, or in this case football management games. A horrible experience but a compelling simulation of football game management.
time fans, trying to attract even new recruits, while a little regret remains for some technical issues that dirty an overall extremely satisfying experience.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Football Manager 26 is the new FM game, for better or worse. Sports Interactive spent its year away from the store converting years of databases and complex systems built up over the years to Unity rather than revamping the game from the ground up. The result, however, is a solid game, with some interesting new features (the off-the-ball setup is a must) and many familiar features, especially in its ability to captivate and keep players glued to the screen.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Sports Interactive's latest entry strips away beloved features, introduces a confusing UI clearly designed for consoles, and launches in an unfinished state that would make even the most patient manager consider resignation.
Football Manager 26 is a revolutionary change to a longstanding franchise that has more than enough great updates to overcome a few small warts. If Sports Interactive can iron those out over time, Football Manager 26 could easily go down as one of the best in the history of the franchise.
Football Manager 26 marks the iconic management sim’s return after two years off, but longtime FM players are going to struggle as it is a bit of a confusing mess.