The upcoming release of Football Manager 26 on November 4 marks a new chapter for the series. Sports Interactive and Sega have confirmed that this edition, which embraces a management experience more rooted in the off-field strategy than on-field action, will be available across all platforms at launch. This installment stands out as a major upgrade from previous versions and comes after a two-year break after the cancellation of its predecessor.

This version is notably the first in the series to be developed using the Unity game engine, introducing a host of improvements that include a significantly enhanced user interface and the addition of a women's football feature—a first in the franchise. A robust conversion system has been designed to transition saved games from Football Manager 2023 and Football Manager 2024 into the new format seamlessly, maintaining compatibility across Football Manager 26, its Console editions for PS5 and Xbox Series, and the Touch version available on Nintendo Switch.

The studio director shared his enthusiasm about revealing the release date, highlighting the extensive efforts invested Developed by the team throughout the previous two years. The director acknowledged the challenges encountered while preparing for the future of football management simulation, and described this release as a pivotal moment in their journey toward achieving excellence in the field.

• Latest edition featuring the Unity engine
• Enhanced user interface and new gameplay mechanics
• Introduction of women's football to the series
• Seamless conversion of previous game saves across various versions

The development team’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of football management simulation is evident in this release, and fans around the world can expect a captivating, immersive encounter that raises the bar for the genre.