FM26 Beta - everything you need before the doors open
Beta date - Thursday 23 October 2025.
Full release - Tuesday 4 November 2025.
Engine - Unity.
Carry over - Beta saves continue into the full game.
Quick actions - Get the best FM26 discount with Beta access and sanity check your machine with the FM Laptop Rater. Hardware details live on the FM26 system requirements page.
Countdown to FM26 Beta
Time left until the Beta date of 23 October 2025.
What is the FM26 Beta
The FM26 Beta is a near complete build that typically appears about two weeks before launch. You get the full career experience, new leagues and Women’s Football, improved matchday on Unity, most quality of life changes and online modes. Small fixes and polish usually land on the day one patch.
Beta release date - when to expect it
FM26 launches on 4 November 2025. The public Beta is confirmed for Thursday 23 October 2025. Exact go live time is not usually pre announced. It will appear on your store library once Sports Interactive push the switch.
Tip - keep Steam and Epic open on the day and watch the Downloads or Library page. Preload may appear shortly before the switch if stores support it.
How to access the Beta - Steam and Epic
Access is linked to eligible pre purchases from authorised partners. Once the Beta is live it appears in your library and downloads like any other game.
Steam - step by step
- Ensure you purchased FM26 from an authorised retailer linked to Steam.
- Open Steam, go to Library and search for Football Manager 2026.
- Click Install. If already installed, it will update to the Beta build.
- Once downloaded, click Play. Your save will later continue in the full version.
Epic Games - step by step
- Open the Epic Games Launcher and go to Library.
- Locate Football Manager 2026 and click Install.
- When the Beta goes live it will unlock and download automatically.
- Launch and enjoy. The build will update to the full version at release.
Check current discounts and Beta eligibility.
Install and download flow
What features are in the Beta
- Unity matchday with enhanced movement, lighting and animations.
- Women’s Football integrated into the core experience.
- Licenced competitions including the Premier League.
- Career, scouting and data tweaks that streamline squad building.
- Online modes and the pre match presentation loop.
Small elements may ship with the launch patch. That is normal for the series.
Women’s Football first look
Do Beta saves carry over
Yes. FM26 Beta saves are compatible with the full release. If you plan a long term career you can safely start in Beta and continue at launch without a restart.
Tips to make the most of Beta
- Start your real save - there is no need for throwaway test files.
- Benchmark one match - tune crowd, shadows, anti aliasing and textures to find your sweet spot.
- Keep leagues modest at first - expand later once you gauge sim speed.
- Report bugs quickly - log issues on the official forum to improve the launch build.
Premier League licence in action
Known quirks and bug reporting
The Beta can include minor UI niggles, placeholder cutscenes or edge case crashes. Use the in game bug reporter or the SI Forums to submit a short description and reproduction steps. This helps shape the day one patch.
Launch windows by region
Exact clocks vary by platform. Treat this grid as a practical guide and verify on your store page.
| Region | Typical window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK and EU | Afternoon to evening | Steam and Epic often aligned |
| North America | Morning to early afternoon | Varies by time zone |
| Oceania | Early morning | Often sees the first wave |
| Console | May vary slightly | Check your console store |
Pre order and relax - lock the best price with Beta access here. You can start your long term save in Beta and continue at launch.
Best reads while you wait
- FM26 system requirements
- Matchday first look
- Best Teams to Manage in FM26
- Sleeping Giants
- Non League to Top Flight
FM26 Beta FAQ
When does the FM26 Beta come out
Thursday 23 October 2025. This date is confirmed.
How do I download it
Pre purchase from an authorised partner linked to Steam or Epic. The Beta unlocks in your library when it goes live.
Is the Beta the full game
Yes. It is a near complete build with small fixes landing on the day one patch.
Do Beta saves carry into the full game
Yes. You can start now and continue at launch.
Will the Editor and online modes work
Yes, though minor issues may be polished on launch.
Do I need Windows 11
No. Windows 10 22H2 is supported.
Is Apple Silicon supported
Yes. Apple M1 is supported.
What should I lower first on weak GPUs
Crowd, shadows, anti aliasing and texture quality. Keep resolution modest.
How many leagues should I load
On most PCs 6 to 10 with a medium database is a good starting point.
Where do I report bugs
Use the in game reporter or the official forums.
Ready for Beta - secure your FM26 pre order with Beta access and get a personalised hardware verdict from the FM Laptop Rater.
