Looking for FM26 beginner FAQs? You’re in the right place – especially if FM26 has you slightly terrified or totally lost.
Whether this is your first Football Manager, especially now that the women’s game is included, welcome.
Want a slower walkthrough?
Start with FM Basics for Beginners.
What Is Football Manager 26?
If you’re brand new to Football Manager, this is where your journey begins. FM is a strategy game where you manage a football club – but you’re not playing the matches directly.
You’ll:
- Plan your team’s tactics
- Pick the starting eleven
- Sign new players and sell others
- Manage morale, fitness, and media
- Try to win trophies and build a lasting legacy
FM26 includes both men’s and women’s teams, and this post focuses on what to expect in the women’s game.
What’s New in FM26?
FM26 is the first edition to include women’s football as a playable option. That’s a huge step for the game, and means you can now manage female teams just like men’s clubs.
More will be revealed ahead of launch, but the women’s side is a major new feature.
Which Edition of FM26 Should I Get?
FM26 will be available across several platforms. Here’s a quick summary to help you choose:
| Edition | Platform | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FM26 Full | PC/Mac | Full feature set |
| FM Console | Xbox/PlayStation | Controller players |
| FM Touch | iPad | Streamlined, simple gameplay |
| FM Mobile | iOS / Android | Quick, on-the-go sessions |
How Often is FM Updated?
FM26 will be updated regularly with bug fixes and data updates.
Typically, there are two major data updates post-release.
You can expect:
- A pre-order early access
- Regular hotfixes after launch
- The Winter Update (January/February) which adds new transfers
- Potential additional updates depending on feedback and bugs
Can I Manage a Women’s Team in FM26?
Yes! You’ll be able to manage women’s teams just like any other club.
That means:
- Picking your tactics and formations
- Signing and developing female players
- Managing the media, morale, and club finances
You’ll also find real-life women’s leagues, accurate player data, and a full experience tailored to the women’s game.
Do I Need to Know a Lot About Football?
Nope. You don’t need to be a football expert to enjoy FM.
You’ll pick up most of what you need as you go:
- Let your Assistant Manager help with line-ups and training
- Use suggested tactics while you learn the ropes
- Don’t worry if you lose matches, it’s part of the game
What’s the Best Way to Learn FM?
The best way to learn FM is by playing and experimenting.
That said, here are a few tips to help:
- Pick a team you already support or are curious about
- Use the tutorials and Assistant Manager options
- Save often, experiment with tactics, and adjust over time
- Don’t be afraid to fail, FM is built for trial and error
- Read community guides (like this one!)
How Long Does a Season Take?
There’s no fixed pace, it depends on how fast you play.
Some players blast through a season in a weekend, others take their time across a month or more.
As a rough guide:
- Casual: 1 season might take 10–15 hours
- Dedicated: You could finish a season in 5–8 hours
- Fast play: Managers who delegate all tasks may finish quicker
You can set your own tempo and enjoy the game at your own pace.
Can I Play as Real-Life Managers Like Emma Hayes?
No, FM doesn’t include licensed real-world managers as playable characters.
But you can absolutely recreate them:
- Copy their tactics
- Use their former clubs
- Roleplay as if you’re stepping into their shoes
You can even rename yourself in-game if you want to play as a specific figure.
Do I Have to Play Online?
No, Football Manager is primarily a single-player game. But you can:
- Create multiplayer saves with friends
- Join online leagues or tournaments
Is There a Free Demo?
No, Football Manager no longer offers a free demo.
However, if you pre-order FM26, you’ll get early access about two weeks before the official release.
Your progress carries over into the main game after launch.
We’ll update this section with official dates and links once pre-orders go live.
