It’s official: the FM26 match engine is finally here, showing off Unity graphics and real motion-captured players. Is this the FM glow-up we’ve all been waiting for? Let’s get into what Sports Interactive showed us in the first reveal.

Finally, a trailer.

We waited.
We moaned.
We probably tried to convince ourselves we didn’t care.
But now the first proper FM26 footage is here, and yes, it’s all about the match engine.

If you missed the drama: FM25 got binned, FM26 had to nail it, and today we actually saw how matches will look when Football Manager 26 finally releases.

No more leaks.
No more wishlists.
This is what Sports Interactive actually showed us on 4th September.

What’s Actually Changed?

Unity Engine = Shiny New FM

The FM26 trailer dropped and it showcases the new Unity engine:

• Real 3D stadiums with proper crowds
• Players moving naturally (yes, it will have separate motion capture for women’s football!)
• Camera angles that wouldn’t look out of place on Sky Sports

Is it FIFA?
No.
But it’s the best FM has ever looked.

The grass is greener, the stadium actually has personality, and players don’t look like Weeping Angels.

Still FM, But With a Glow Up

Let’s be honest, if you only play in 2D, you’ll just nod and scroll. But even the most stubborn old school FM player can’t pretend this isn’t a step up.

• Player movement is familiar (it’s still FM at heart), but the polish is next-level.
• The matchday UI, crowds, lighting – everything feels modern, not modded in.
• Yes, you will still get “FM’d” occasionally, but at least it’ll look better when it happens.

Will Your Laptop Melt?

Big question, do the new graphics mean you need a high tech gaming machine?
NO!

• Minimum specs are basically the same.
• If you want all the pretty bits, you’ll need a half-decent gaming laptop/desktop.

Community Reactions

The best bit?
People aren’t just pretending to be excited because there’s nothing else to do.

• Most of the FM community are calling this the biggest visual leap since FM went 3D.
• Even the die-hards who only use 2D are saying “Looks alright, tbf.”
• Of course, we all want to see more on tactics and all the other deep stuff, but finally, FM looks modern.

What SI Didn’t Show

SI only showed match visuals, not the deep-dive on tactics, new roles, training, or all the little things we dying to hear about.

• Expect Feature Drop blogs to cover all the deeper stuff as release gets closer.
• But for now? We finally know that match days look like match days.

What Next?

We’ll update WFFM as soon as SI drops more details.
For now: bookmark, share, and let us know what you think.

What’s your verdict?
Will this be the FM that finally makes you watch your matches in 3D?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag us on X.