"Football Manager 26" Launches Early Beta for PC; Single-Player Career Data Can Be Carried Over to Final Release
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/936/G093625/20251024036/
Editorial Department: RENE | 2025/10/24 06:43 (UTC)
Sega today (October 24, 2025) has begun distributing the early beta version of Football Manager 26 for PC (Steam / Epic Games Store).
The early beta version now available allows players to experience the game’s core features ahead of its official release. Single-player career data created in the beta can be carried over to the full retail version, scheduled for release on November 5.
However, certain features—including the pre-game editor, in-game editor, and Steam Workshop—will not be accessible during the early beta phase. Any bugs discovered while playing can be reported via the “Report Bug” button located in the game’s sidebar.
The early beta is available exclusively to those who have pre-purchased the PC version. A new official trailer highlighting the game’s evolved features has also been released—be sure to check it out.
Official Website for Football Manager 26
<Below is the original press release content as published by the manufacturer>
Early Beta Access for ‘Football Manager 26’ Now Live!
Japanese official trailer showcasing new features has also been released.
Sega Corporation is pleased to announce that the early beta version of Football Manager 26 (hereafter “FM26”) is now available for PC (Steam / Epic Games Store). The full retail release is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025, on PlayStation(R)5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch(TM), PC (Steam/Epic Games Store/Windows), Mac, Netflix, and Apple Arcade.
In conjunction with the launch of early beta access, we have also released a Japanese official trailer. Please take a moment to view it.
※Nintendo Switch(TM) and PS5(R) physical editions are scheduled for release on Thursday, December 4.
Football Manager 26 | Official Japanese Trailer
※The early beta version is not the final product and may differ in certain aspects from the official release.
※If you encounter any bugs or issues during gameplay, please report them using the “Report Bug” button located in the game’s sidebar.
※Single-player career data created in the early beta can be transferred to the full retail version available after November 5.
※Features such as the pre-game editor, in-game editor, and Steam Workshop will not be accessible during the early beta phase.
Experience Realistic Football Management with ‘FM26’
Football Manager 26 delivers unprecedented immersion and significant visual advancements—the highest in series history. Migrating to the Unity engine has enabled a complete overhaul of the user interface (UI) and enhanced graphics, offering a more intuitive and visually stunning gameplay experience.
Additionally, a new matchday system powered by Premier League licensing is now available. Numerous other exciting new features are also planned for release.
● First-time inclusion of women’s football in the series
For the first time ever in the Football Manager series, women’s football has been introduced. Players can freely switch between managing men’s and women’s clubs, leading both as head coach with full authority.
● Tactical evolution in ‘FM26’
The tactical system in this latest installment has undergone a major upgrade. Alongside a newly redesigned user interface (UI), expanded options and new player roles have been added—allowing for even greater flexibility and variety in tactics.
The game now includes a new feature that enables players to set and review team formations during both ball possession and non-possession phases, reflecting the latest tactical developments in modern football. This intuitive, visual system delivers a more realistic and immersive tactical experience.
Pre-order and Early Purchase Bonuses
Football Manager 26 is currently accepting pre-orders for the PC (Steam / Epic Games Store) version.
Customers who pre-purchase will receive a 10% discount along with immediate access to the early beta version. Get an early start on your managerial career and experience the refreshed UI firsthand.