Football Manager 2026 finally shows signs of life. SEGA begins hiring QA testers for FM26 in Sofia. Here’s what it means for fans.
Football Manager 2026 finally surfaces: SEGA is hiring testers in Sofia,
giving us our first real clue about FM26's development timeline.
FM26 Finally Shows Signs of Life – Here’s What’s Really Going On
We first caught wind of this thanks to a post from FM Console, who spotted SEGA’s new QA job listing and shared it with the community. The original job advert can be found here on SEGA Careers.
Let’s be honest—you’ve probably been refreshing social media, waiting for any kind of FM26 news. We all know the game was delayed to March 2025, but since then? Radio silence. No screenshots, no roadmap, not even a cheeky tweet from Miles.
Well, that just changed.
Out of nowhere, SEGA has started hiring QA testers for Football Manager 2026. And not just a couple of positions—this is a full-on 6 to 12-month QA operation based in Sofia, Bulgaria, running until March 2026. That tells us more than just "they're hiring".
It tells us FM26 is alive, actively being tested, and likely entering an internal alpha/beta phase.
So, what does this mean for you, the loyal FM fan who’s been left in the dark?
1. QA Hiring = FM26 Development Is in Full Swing
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| Img credit FM Console [X] |
The contract goes until March 2026, but don’t let that scare you. That doesn’t mean the game releases then—that’s just how long they’ll need QA coverage for post-launch patches, DLC, and updates. It also lines up with SEGA's earlier announcement about the FM26 delay.
2. Why Bulgaria? And Why Now?
SEGA has a dedicated QA hub in Business Park Sofia, near Mladost 4. They've been running quality assurance for multiple titles there for years. The interesting bit is that many people at Sports Interactive started their careers in QA, meaning this isn't just filler work—it's the beating heart of game polish.
Also, this confirms SEGA Europe (not Sports Interactive directly) is coordinating the operation. That might mean we're seeing a wider structure forming around the future of FM development—especially post-FM26, which is going to be a full rebuild in Unity.
3. What Are Testers Actually Doing on FM26?
Here’s what the job entails:
- Testing gameplay mechanics to make sure they work as intended
- Reporting bugs, crashes, and inconsistencies
- Collaborating with developers to improve functionality
In short: they’re the first people in the world playing FM26.
This also confirms that FM26 is past the concept phase and well into a testable state, which is great news for fans worried about progress.
4. This Could Mean a Closed Beta Is Coming
Based on timelines from past Football Manager releases, this is the stage where internal testing ramps up before a public beta. That means we could start seeing developer diaries, early feature reveals, or even teasers in the coming months.
If SEGA sticks to their usual marketing rhythm (minus the delay), then August or September might be when the info dam breaks. Fingers crossed.
5. Should You Apply?
If you’re based in Bulgaria and want to get into the games industry, 100% yes.
You’ll need:
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Legal eligibility to work in Bulgaria (no visa assistance provided)
- Passion for Football Manager
- Solid communication skills in English
The role is hybrid, with 3 days in-office and 2 remote, running until March 2026. It’s a paid position that could kickstart a career in games QA, design, or production—just ask the devs who started this way.
6. Miles Jacobson Is Still at the Helm
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| Img credit FM Console [X] |
It’s a simple but powerful reassurance: Miles is still here, still steering the ship, and still as passionate about the game as ever. While we may not have a dev update (yet), just knowing that the man who's guided the series for decades is visibly active behind the scenes gives the whole FM community a bit more confidence heading into FM26.
7. Bottom Line: FM26 Is Real, and It’s Happening
After months of nothing, we finally have proof: FM26 is in the works, and real humans are testing it as we speak. That means news is coming. Teasers are coming. The hype train is warming up on the tracks.
For now, keep your expectations realistic. But rest easy knowing that the game isn’t just a rumour—it’s being played, tested, tweaked, and built with care.
After months of nothing, we finally have proof: FM26 is in the works, and real
humans are testing it as we speak. That means news is coming. Teasers are
coming. The hype train is warming up on the tracks.
For now, keep your expectations realistic. But rest easy knowing that the game isn’t just a rumour—it’s being played, tested, tweaked, and built with care.
For now, keep your expectations realistic. But rest easy knowing that the game isn’t just a rumour—it’s being played, tested, tweaked, and built with care.
Related Read: Why FM26 Was Delayed and What It Means for the Series
External Source: Original QA Job Listing on SEGA Careers
So, what’s your take—relieved to see FM26 signs of life? Or are you still holding out for a full reveal? Drop a comment below and let’s talk.
And if you’re one of the lucky few applying for the QA role: test the set-piece creator thoroughly. Please. For all of us.
