FM26 Match Day Experience - Broadcast mode, Dynamic highlights, women’s game and a rebuilt camera system

FM26’s Match Day overhaul lands with broadcast mode, Dynamic highlights, new animations, smarter replays, upgraded audio and the women’s football.

FM26 Match Day Experience - Broadcast mode, Dynamic highlights and the women’s game land together

Football Manager 2026 just dropped its biggest matchday revamp in years - hundreds of new animations, rebuilt cameras, Dynamic highlights, smarter replays, better audio and upgraded stadiums, all lifted by the Unity engine. Here’s what’s new, what actually changes on the pitch and how to set it up for your first save.

Jump to TLDR • Broadcast mode • Dynamic highlights • Match AI changes • Replays and audio • New Match Overview • Stadiums, lighting, pitch • Women’s game • Best settings to start • FAQ

TLDR - the quick hits

- New broadcast mode mixes multiple TV angles with fresh cinematics for a proper live match feel.

- Dynamic highlights adapt to game state - more clips in tight finales, fewer when you’re cruising.

- Women’s game debuts - with movement tuned to reflect the women’s game authentically.

- Smarter match AI - attackers square up defenders before driving, and pass risk logic threads more balls through traffic.

- Overhauled replays - camera angle is chosen by the type of goal to show the best view.

- Major audio upgrade - the mix is closer to a TV broadcast.

- New Match Overview - classic 2D is built in, with live AM advice and expandable data cards at a glance.

- Visual lift on Unity - improved lighting, richer pitch textures and upgraded stadiums across levels.

Broadcast mode - TV-style coverage without the fluff

FM26’s new broadcast mode pulls from TV language - multiple camera points stitched into one dynamic feed, with cinematic cuts during key phases. It’s the best way to watch if you want immersion without losing tactical context. End-to-end phases zoom and pan naturally, while set pieces get tighter framing so you can judge movement and blocking. Expect fewer clumsy cuts and far more coherent sequences across the 90 minutes.

Pro tip - Use broadcast mode for live play, then flip to a wider end-to-end angle briefly when evaluating your defensive shape after conceding. It keeps the immersion while still giving you a coach’s view when you need it.

Dynamic highlights - the match edits itself

Dynamic highlights are new and they actually read the match. If it’s a knife-edge game, the number of highlights ramps up as full time approaches. If you’re two or three up, the system dials down interruptions and lets the result play out. It’s built for managers who want a fast flow without missing turning points, and it works nicely for streaming or long saves where pace matters.

Pro tip - When chasing a game, switch to Dynamic highlights to surface late chances more reliably. When protecting a lead, it reduces needless stoppages so you can focus on key decisions and subs.

Match AI changes - braver attackers, smarter passing risk

Attacking players now square up defenders before deciding whether to drive past them or recycle. The reworked pass risk model threads more balls through central traffic, so you’ll see braver vertical attempts when they’re on. This combination produces phases that feel less mechanical and more like real football - defenders get asked better questions, and your midfield decisions matter.

What it means for tactic builders - Roles that pin centre backs or create 1v1s between the lines gain value. Consider one aggressive runner paired with a secure carrier in midfield to exploit the new risk logic without haemorrhaging possession.

Replays and audio - the right angle and a bigger roar

Replays now select angles based on the type of goal, so volleys, tap-ins and long-range rockets each get the most revealing shot. The audio mix also gets an upgrade - crowd swells are more convincing and transitions between phases are less abrupt. Together, goals both look and sound like moments rather than cutaways.

Pro tip - Leave replays on by default. The smarter angle choice doubles as quick analysis, especially for set pieces and cutbacks.

New Match Overview - classic 2D baked in

The Match Overview screen now puts everything in front of you - live match info, real-time assistant manager advice and expandable data cards for deeper reads. Classic 2D is built into the overview, so you can check spacing and pressing triggers without bouncing between tabs. It’s a small change that speeds up decision making, especially mid-match when you’re juggling subs, morale and tactical nudges.

Unity lift - lighting, pitch and stadiums feel alive

Unity under the hood lets FM26 push improved lighting and richer pitch textures, with upgraded stadiums across the pyramid. Elite arenas feel grander and lower-league grounds have more character. The net effect - fewer flat scenes and better depth across different weather and kickoff times.

The women’s game - in FM at last

FM26 introduces the women’s game to the series. Player movement has been tuned to represent the unique demands and patterns of the women’s game, so it looks and plays like itself rather than a reskin. Expect more to come in the wider save experience, but on the pitch the foundation is already strong.

How to set up your first FM26 match for the best experience

- Camera - Start with broadcast mode. When diagnosing defensive issues, temporarily switch to end-to-end to audit your line height and distances, then jump back.

- Highlights - Use Dynamic for season play, switch to Extended when testing a new tactic or set-piece routine.

- Replays - Keep them on. The angle logic is now analysis-friendly.

- Audio - Bump the crowd volume slightly so momentum swings are clearer when you’re multitasking.

Related reading

- FM26 best price - pre-order discount

- Best laptops for FM26

- FM Rater - can your laptop run FM26

- FM game guides - build smarter tactics

- FM wonderkids hub

FAQ

What is broadcast mode in FM26 - A TV-inspired camera setup that blends multiple angles and cinematic cuts for a more authentic live match feel.

How do Dynamic highlights work - They adjust the number of clips to match the game state - more when it’s tight, fewer when you’re comfortable.

Is the women’s game included - Yes. FM26 introduces the women’s game with movement tuned to reflect how the women’s game plays.

Are replays better - Yes. FM26 picks the replay angle based on the goal type to show you the cleanest view.

What’s changed in the match AI - Attackers square up defenders before committing and the pass risk model is braver through traffic.

Final thought

This is a proper matchday lift - not a coat of paint. The moment-to-moment play feels closer to football, the cameras finally sell the drama and the tools you need to read the game are where you want them. Set broadcast mode, switch on Dynamic highlights and dive in.