FM26 release confirmed as series continues after 2025 cancelation

Sports Interactive has confirmed that Football Manager 26 will launch worldwide on 4 November 2025, marking the beginning of what the studio hopes will be a new era for the iconic football management series.

The announcement arrives after a turbulent period in which Football Manager 25 (FM25) was scrapped following multiple setbacks. Fans have been eagerly awaiting news of the next edition, and the developers now believe they are ready to deliver a title that both rewards patience and raises expectations.

The cancellation of FM25 earlier this year represented one of the most difficult moments in the studio’s history. Initially planned as the first title to run on the Unity engine, the switch from the in-house system was beset by technical complications. Developers were left without sufficient time to meet the standards expected both internally and by the game’s loyal player base.

In February 2025, Sports Interactive acknowledged defeat and confirmed that FM25 would not be released. It was a decision described internally as “embarrassing,” yet considered necessary to protect the reputation of the series. Studio director Miles Jacobson later admitted the need to apologise to supporters, stressing the importance of the game as a form of escapism for many fans worldwide.

Now attention turns firmly to FM26, which Jacobson has called a “landmark release.” The upcoming edition is set to include:

Sports Interactive views FM26 not simply as a replacement for the abandoned FM25, but as the foundation for the next two decades of football management gaming.

Jacobson emphasised the significance of the launch, noting that the last two years had required an enormous effort from the studio. “FM26 represents a landmark release in our quest to produce football management perfection,” he said, underlining the pride within the team at finally reaching this stage.

For the community, the confirmed FM26 release date brings clarity after months of speculation and disappointment. The decision to withdraw FM25 may have tested patience, but there is a growing sense that November’s launch will justify the delay.

The return of the series, complete with long-requested features and a platform designed for longevity, positions Football Manager 26 as one of the most important releases in the history of the franchise.