Continuing the trickle of Football Manager 2026 launch news is our first look at the game’s user interface. This, personally, is more important than any gameplay teasers because it’s where we spend most of our time.
A Cleaner, Modern Design
The most obvious update is the new look. Gone is the long-standing sidebar, replaced by a top navigation bar and a modular cards-and-tiles layout. The redesign feels more modern and visually appealing, tidying up one of the most information-dense games in the world.
It’s a change that gives the series a fresher presentation, and potentially lays the groundwork for more flexibility in how managers organise their screens.
The real promise in FM26’s UI lies in its modular structure. The cards and tiles aren’t just for aesthetics. Any time I’ve seen this used in the past, the approach allows players to customise layouts, prioritise what information is most visible, and adapt the interface to their own style of management. If fully realised, it could make the game feel more personal and intuitive than ever before.
Gameplay Depth Still the Big Question
While the facelift is significant, the big question is whether FM26 will deliver changes beyond the menus. Long-time frustrations with player conversations, repetitive press conferences, and match day management still loom large. For all the visual updates, Football Manager has always been judged on the depth of its systems, not the polish of its screens.
Sports Interactive’s move to the Unity engine is an important backdrop here. The new technology promises more scope for future evolution, even if FM26 itself ends up being more incremental than revolutionary.
In a world of AI-generated content, I struggle to see how a game like Football Manager can’t leverage this technology and improve the text-based engagement. Perhaps they will, and it’ll require a monthly subscription or some sort of season pass?
Designed for More Platforms?
The redesigned UI also raises questions about the series’ strategy across PC, console, and handheld platforms. The cleaner, modular approach seems naturally suited to controller play, but it could just as easily enhance the traditional mouse-and-keyboard experience. With Steam Deck and portable devices increasingly popular, FM26 could benefit from being easier to navigate on smaller screens.
Tools, Encyclopaedia, and Customisation
A standout new feature is FMPedia, an in-game encyclopaedia designed to pull together the vast wealth of information managers crave. If built with enough depth, it could become an invaluable tool for both new and experienced players.
The new structure also hints at greater scope for built-in customisation, which may reduce reliance on community-made skins. That said, Football Manager’s thriving modding scene will be watching closely to see how adaptable the new system really is.
At first glance, FM26 feels like a step forward in presentation. It’s cleaner, smarter, and more modern. But looks alone won’t convince seasoned fans. The true test will be whether the updated interface is matched by meaningful improvements under the hood. In the match engine, player interactions, and the systems that make Football Manager the obsession it is.
FM26’s UI reveal shows a series embracing change in how it looks and feels to play. It’s a confident step towards modernisation, with the promise of customisation and better tools for players. Whether it marks the beginning of a new era for Football Manager or just a stylish reskin will only become clear once managers get stuck into their first saves.
The quiet optimism continues. You can check out our speculation on FM2026, but there is now an officially confirmed launch date of 4th November 2026. You can still read and potential specs you’ll need to run it.
