Football Manager 26 Console adds women’s football and new tools

Table of Content

Football Manager 26 Console is out now, bringing the series’ latest management systems to Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S – and playable via Game Pass. The console edition is built around controller-first navigation and a redesigned interface intended to surface the essentials without losing depth. This year’s headline additions include the introduction of women’s football, new licensed leagues, visual upgrades on Match Day and smarter recruitment features. Smart Delivery applies, delivering the best available version on each supported Xbox platform.

What is new on console this year

The official announcement outlines a set of gameplay changes focused on presentation, squad building and day-to-day management. The aim is clearer decision-making on a pad while preserving long-term depth.

• Women’s Football arrives – the game supports men’s and women’s divisions, with the option to include both in a single save.
• New licensed leagues – additional competitions become playable thanks to fresh licensing agreements.
• Revamped UI with Bookmarks – quick-access shortcuts at the top of the screen help jump between core screens without menu hunting.
• Controller-optimized flow – navigation and setup are tuned for gamepad play.
• Smart Delivery – delivers the best version on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S, including for Game Pass players.

Deeper tactics: phases of play and role options

FM26 Console introduces separate In Possession and Out of Possession formations, expanding how managers define shape across phases. New player roles and a dynamic visualiser show how instructions interact and how the team behaves in each phase. Backroom staff provide recommendations aligned to your current squad, which can be adopted initially and refined as the season unfolds.

TransferRoom integration streamlines the market

Recruitment gets a usability boost via football’s digital marketplace. Two tools stand out:

• Requirements – broadcast your exact transfer needs to all clubs in your save.
• Pitch Opportunities – review what other clubs are seeking to target sales or swaps.

Combined with squad depth views, these features are designed to make targeting signings and offloading surplus players more efficient.

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World setup and save flexibility

Save creation allows up to 10 nations to be loaded – or 5 on Xbox One. Players can include both men’s and women’s divisions to switch between them within a single career. The choice of nations and competitions influences transfer activity, continental matchups and long-term save performance.

Match Day presentation upgrades

Matches benefit from upgraded visuals with new volumetric animations derived from real-life movement data, smoother player motion and enhanced presentation elements such as new cutscenes, lighting and sky effects. Early fixtures can help surface tactical gaps, providing actionable feedback for adjustments.

Feature overview at a glance

Below is a concise breakdown of the headline systems and what they change in practice.

Practical guidance from the official blog

The studio’s overview shares early-game pointers that align with the new systems. They are aimed at reducing friction in the first hours of a save.

• Craft your game world – pick up to 10 nations (5 on Xbox One) based on the level and regions you plan to play.
• Define your style and personality – the enhanced manager creator sets appearance, coaching focus and leadership profile.
• Master Bookmarks – customize shortcuts to keep key areas one button away.
• Audit your squad – review first team, reserves and youth depth to guide tactics and recruitment.
• Build tactics with staff – lean on recommendations early, then iterate as results and data roll in.
• Use TransferRoom tools – post requirements and scan opportunities to act faster in the market.
• Observe early matches – presentation upgrades make analysis clearer, supporting quick tactical tweaks.

Final takeaway – what it means for players

FM26 Console centers on accessibility without compromise: faster navigation, clearer tactical intent and recruitment tools that reduce busywork. If you play on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S or via Game Pass, Smart Delivery ensures the right version – and the addition of women’s football plus new licensed leagues broadens where and how you build your next save.