Sports Interactive has unveiled a closer look at the matchday experience in Football Manager 26, promising the most significant step forward for the series to date.
At the heart of the new experience is the new graphics engine, which is powered by Unity. This powers hundreds of new player animations, a wider array of camera angles, a redefined highlight system, and more immersive cutscenes. Stadiums and pitches have also received a visual overhaul, boasting better textures, improved lighting, and expanded environmental detail, helping each matchday feel more grounded in its location and club stature.
As has already been talked about plenty, FM 26 will also be introducing women’s football. Sports Interactive highlighted that authentic motion capture has been carried out for both male and female players, blending Hawk-Eye innovations with bespoke sessions to capture the unique physicality of each. This results in a library of dribbles, passes, and shots designed to more accurately reflect how both the men’s and women’s games are played.
Beyond visuals, the underlying match engine has also seen extensive work. Attacking AI is now better equipped to stand up defenders before deciding whether to dribble or pass, while a new risk system should create more incisive play through congested midfield areas. Further details on tactical tools and broader AI refinements are expected in upcoming feature reveals.
Presentation is also being pushed closer to broadcast standards. A rebuilt camera system includes new broadcast and cinematic modes that pull from multiple perspectives, while replay angles are now selected dynamically based on the type of goal scored. Audio has been upgraded in tandem, aiming to match the improved visuals with a much more convincing atmosphere.
Another addition is Dynamic Mode, a new highlight option that adapts to the flow of the match. Games that remain close or have more importance will trigger more highlights as the clock runs down, while comfortable wins will deliver fewer interruptions, keeping the pace steady.
In between highlights, a redesigned match overview screen displays the classic 2D view alongside live stats, assistant manager feedback, and expandable data cards, giving the player more context for what’s happening during a match without having a highlight play every three seconds.
Overall, it was a juicy look into FM 26 gameplay, and it provides great insight into the work the Sports Interactive team has been putting in behind the scenes. We’ll continue to provide more updates on features as they become available.
