Football Manager 26: A fresh start after a year of silence

GAMING NEWS AlexP - 03-Nov-2025, 12:15 pm - 8 comments

After the surprising cancellation of Football Manager 25, all eyes are now on Football Manager 26 to prove that the wait was worth it. Fans of the long-running series have been eager for a true step forward, and this year’s release carries more weight than ever. The cancellation of last year’s entry created both frustration and anticipation — frustration because of the gap it left, but anticipation because it gave the developers time to rebuild and reimagine the experience from the ground up.

That extra year has set expectations sky-high. Football Manager 26 isn’t just another yearly update; it’s a statement of renewal. With a completely redesigned matchday experience and a modernized interface, the game aims to show that the franchise can still evolve without losing its identity. Fans expect smoother management tools, smarter decision-making from the AI, and a new level of immersion during matches. There’s a sense that this is more than just a continuation — it’s the start of a new era for digital football management.

One of the most exciting aspects of Football Manager 26 is its inclusion on Xbox Game Pass from day one. For fans, that means instant access without any extra cost beyond their existing subscription. It’s a game-changing move for accessibility, allowing new players to jump into the experience easily and giving long-time fans a simple way to test the latest version without commitment. This also opens the door to a much broader community, as console players who might have never tried the series before can now explore the full depth of its strategy and realism.

The addition of Game Pass access underlines how the series is evolving to meet modern gaming habits. It recognizes that convenience and accessibility are as important today as innovation and realism.

Why it deserves players’ attention

Beyond its accessibility, Football Manager 26 deserves attention for the ambition it represents. The game redefines what football management can feel like, combining improved visuals, deeper analysis tools, and a more intuitive experience. It’s built to reward strategic thinking and long-term planning, while also offering the drama, tension, and emotional highs that make football so addictive.

In short, the game stands as both a comeback and a promise — a sign that patience can indeed pay off when it’s matched by true evolution. Don’t forget to use our price comparison tool to find the best prices for Football Manager 26.

azima159

07-Nov-2025, 2:07 pm on dlcompare.fr

Quite satisfied with this opus, despite a few bugs (which will be corrected in future patches). The new interface is more complex than previous versions, but once you get used to it, you'll find your way around. I understand the negative opinions, as many things have been removed (bench instructions, coaching an international team...). We'll see if the studio reintegrates them in future updates. For me, taking the risk of making profound changes to a license that was no longer improving is still the best choice.

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fano23

07-Nov-2025, 1:40 pm on dlcompare.es

I'm not going to play it, but I hope the changes are enough for people who like it.

Uny

07-Nov-2025, 7:59 am on dlcompare.fr

Despite a promising new engine, FM26 lacks soul and disappoints with the loss of certain historical features: I feel less of the exciting, in-depth aspect that was the strength of the series.

noar

06-Nov-2025, 9:29 pm on dlcompare.fr

The game comes out in a disastrous state... you're put at an emotional distance from all the decisions by a UI that doesn't make you want to get involved in all the little things that made our team, our team...

juanpr85

06-Nov-2025, 9:29 pm on dlcompare.es

It's not just another annual update until you open the game and see that it is. Just like FIFA 😆

PointMan

06-Nov-2025, 8:51 pm on dlcompare.es

I hope it will be as good as the previous versions. I have always found it to be a very addictive game.

690cfa405e020_shumpet

06-Nov-2025, 8:43 pm on dlcompare.es

I love it and I see that it is a version with a lot of future that can continue to improve but I always enjoy the game very much and I say it with certainty because I accumulate many hours of play.

690cf7dcafd8e_chair

06-Nov-2025, 8:35 pm on dlcompare.es

Very good game, it needs to be polished but I'm sure it will be updated for the better. Not suitable for all audiences or arcade players.