Football Manager 26

Item: Football Manager 26
Rating: 21
Author: VaporLens

Last updated: 2026-01-09

Summary

In-possession and out-of-possession tactics refined
Upgraded match engine graphics and visuals
Enjoyable gameplay after recent updates
Severe UI design flaws hinder usability
Unfinished release with game-breaking bugs
Poor match engine performance issues

Emotions

Frustration37%Disappointment30%Satisfaction6%Anger5%Hope3%

Sample precision
Helpful reviews: 64%
Unhelpful reviews: 35%
Protest reviews: 0%

21%
Helpful reviews with positive sentiment
79%
Helpful reviews with negative sentiment

Positive points: 383
Negative points: 1341
Gameplay points: 875
Perf. points: 147
Rec. points: 106
Misc points: 14

Point	Description	Importance
In-possession/out-of-possession tactics Description The new tactical system splits gameplay into in-possession and out-of-possession phases, offering greater customization and realism. Players appreciate the depth and flexibility this adds to tactical planning. Importance 49%	The new tactical system splits gameplay into in-possession and out-of-possession phases, offering greater customization and realism. Players appreciate the depth and flexibility this adds to tactical planning.	49%
Match engine graphics upgraded Description The match engine has received significant visual improvements, including better animations, fluidity, and realism. Players note it now resembles PS3-era or 2009-level graphics, with enhanced immersion and tactical visibility. Importance 38%	The match engine has received significant visual improvements, including better animations, fluidity, and realism. Players note it now resembles PS3-era or 2009-level graphics, with enhanced immersion and tactical visibility.	38%
Gameplay enjoyment post-updates Description The game has become significantly more enjoyable after patches and updates, with many players noting it is now playable and fun despite initial bugs. The improvements over time have been substantial. Importance 26%	The game has become significantly more enjoyable after patches and updates, with many players noting it is now playable and fun despite initial bugs. The improvements over time have been substantial.	26%
Bug fixes and stability Description Regular updates and patches have addressed many bugs, crashes, and performance issues. Players report the game is now stable and responsive, with fewer glitches affecting gameplay. Importance 16%	Regular updates and patches have addressed many bugs, crashes, and performance issues. Players report the game is now stable and responsive, with fewer glitches affecting gameplay.	16%
Series progression and appeal Description Despite not being the best in the series for some, the game is seen as an upgrade over previous versions (e.g., FM23/FM24) and remains the best option for football management simulators. Core elements of the series are preserved. Importance 11%	Despite not being the best in the series for some, the game is seen as an upgrade over previous versions (e.g., FM23/FM24) and remains the best option for football management simulators. Core elements of the series are preserved.	11%
Developer responsiveness Description The developers are actively listening to feedback and pushing regular updates to fix issues and improve the game. Players appreciate the dedication to addressing concerns and restoring beloved features. Importance 8%	The developers are actively listening to feedback and pushing regular updates to fix issues and improve the game. Players appreciate the dedication to addressing concerns and restoring beloved features.	8%
Modding community impact Description The modding community remains a strong and beloved aspect of the series, with mods significantly enhancing the game’s enjoyment and visual appeal for many players. Importance 4%	The modding community remains a strong and beloved aspect of the series, with mods significantly enhancing the game’s enjoyment and visual appeal for many players.	4%

Football Manager 26

Categories

Emotions