Everything you need to know about the Football Manager 2026 Beta version
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been refreshing Steam, Epic, and the FM community forums non-stop, waiting for that magical moment when the Football Manager 2026 Beta finally drops. Every year the Beta is the spark that ignites the hype – two weeks of early access where we all dive into our first saves, experiment with new features, and try to find that overpowered tactic before the full launch.
What is the FM26 Beta?
The FM26 Beta is essentially the full game, released around two weeks before launch. It gives players a chance to start their careers early, explore all the new features, and provide feedback to Sports Interactive before the official release date. Apart from a few small bugs and tweaks, it’s the real deal.
FM26 Beta Release Date – When to Expect It?
Looking back at previous years, the Beta usually becomes available 14 days before the full release. When FM26’s official release date gets confirmed, you can expect the Beta to go live roughly two weeks earlier. It’s never officially announced in advance – one day, the download button simply appears on Steam and Epic Games.
How to Access the FM26 Beta
Access is simple: if you pre-order the game from an official retailer, you’ll automatically receive the Beta once it’s released. That includes Steam, Epic Games, and trusted affiliates like Fanatical, CDKeys, and Green Man Gaming. After purchase, the Beta will appear in your library and download like any other game.
Which Features Are in the FM26 Beta?
The Beta is feature-complete – meaning you get everything from new leagues to women’s football, plus any match engine upgrades. The only difference is stability: minor bugs, unfinished cutscenes, or small UI glitches may still exist until patched on day one. But rest assured, the Beta is not a “demo” – it’s the full FM26 experience.
Will FM26 Beta Saves Carry Over to the Full Game?
Yes – FM26 Beta saves are 100% compatible with the full game. That means you can start your dream career during the Beta and continue seamlessly after launch. The only difference is that any bug fixes from day-one patches may slightly adjust how certain things work (like player development or match AI), but your save itself will remain intact.
Tips to Get the Most Out of the FM26 Beta
- Start the save you plan to continue – no need to waste time on “test saves.”
- Experiment with new roles and tactics – this is your chance to see what actually works in FM26’s new match engine.
- Report bugs and issues – use the SI Forums or in-game bug reporter. The faster issues are flagged, the smoother the full release will be.
FM26 Beta FAQs
When does FM26 Beta come out? Usually around two weeks before the official release date.
How can I download it? By pre-ordering FM26 on Steam, Epic Games, or official partners.
Does the Beta include the full game? Yes – all features are included, with only minor bugs to be patched later.
Can I continue my save in the full game? Absolutely – Beta saves are fully compatible.
Will the FM26 Editor and online modes work? Yes, but with potential bugs that will be polished on launch.
Final Thoughts
The FM26 Beta is more than just early access – it’s the starting gun for the entire Football Manager season. Whether you’re rebuilding a sleeping giant, testing out the new match day atmosphere, or diving into women’s football for the first time, the Beta is where the stories begin.
So – are you ready? Pre-order FM26, keep an eye on your Steam library, and get ready to dive in the moment the Beta goes live.
External source: Football Manager 2026 on Steam
