The FM26 Beta has now closed – but here’s how it worked, when it launched, and what it included. Whether you joined early or you’re curious how early access functions before next year’s Beta, this recap explains everything.
The FM26 Beta release date is our version of Christmas Eve – the moment you finally get hands-on after months of teasers. It’s also when the same questions come flying in every year:
- When does it drop?
- How do you get it?
- Is pre-ordering the only way?
Here’s everything that was confirmed for the FM26 Beta – from launch date and platforms, to women’s football integration and how your saves carried over.
When Does the FM26 Beta Go Live?
- Confirmed launch: Thursday 23rd October 2025
- The Beta arrives roughly two weeks before the full release on November 4th 2025.
- Once live, it’ll auto-download to anyone who has pre-ordered.
How Do I Get the FM26 Beta?
- The Beta is a pre-order bonus.
- If you’ve already pre-ordered digitally on any official store, you’ll automatically receive the Beta in your library as soon as it’s live.
- Your save files carry straight into the full game – no restart required.
Where Can I Pre-Order FM26?
You’ve got options:
- Steam / Epic Games Store / SEGA store (full price £49.99)
- Authorised retailers like Fanatical & CDKeys (usually £10–12 cheaper + still include Beta access)
Best current deal:
Pre-order FM26 for £38.94 (RRP £49.99) at Fanatical
Transparency note: this is an affiliate link. If you buy through it, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep WFFM running and funds the endless spreadsheets.
What Platforms Will Have the Beta?
- ✅ PC & Mac (Steam + Epic Games Store)
- ❌ Xbox Game Pass pre-loads don’t include Beta
- ❌ Consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch) usually get the full game only
Women’s Football in the FM26 Beta
The women’s database is fully playable from day one. This is the first time in series history that women’s clubs, leagues, and players are included in a Football Manager release.
Check out our FM26 Women’s Football – Alpha First Impressions post for screenshots, database details, and first-hand testing notes.
What’s Different About the Beta?
It’s essentially the full game running a slightly earlier build – you’ll notice some minor bugs still being fine tuned. There shouldn’t be any game breaking bugs, and any small ones will be fixed on the official release date. Other than that, you’re getting the complete Football Manager experience two weeks early.
Beta Saves Carry Over
Every save you start in the Beta will continue in the full release without issues, this means you can start your long-term women’s save as soon you the Beta downloads.
