FM26 RELEASE DATE

Football Manager 2026 Release Date

When trying to predict the Football Manager 2026 release date, examining past trends can offer valuable insights. Historically, Sports Interactive has launched new FM titles in early to mid-November, establishing a fairly consistent pattern over the years. FM23 arrived on November 8, 2022, and FM24 followed a similar schedule with a release on November 6, 2023. FM25, however, was cancelled due to the studio’s transition to the Unity engine, which effectively extended the development cycle for FM26 and gave the team additional time to refine the game.

This extended development period had multiple potential effects. On one hand, the extra time could allow for a return to the traditional early November launch window. On the other hand, the complexity of building the game on an entirely new engine, combined with integrating significant new features like women’s football, an expanded Premier League license, and improved matchday mechanics, could have delayed the release. Sports Interactive has now officially confirmed that Football Manager 2026 will release on Monday, November 4, 2025, marking the start of a new season for aspiring managers.

Based on previous editions, Early Access for Football Manager 2026 will likely begin approximately two weeks before the full release. With the confirmed launch date, Early Access could start as early as Monday, October 21, 2025, giving players an opportunity to get a head start on building their clubs, exploring new features, and shaping their managerial careers before the official release.