Live tracker of every Football Manager 2026 update. All hotfix numbers, dates and patch notes in one place. Most fixes apply to existing saves.
Live tracker of every Football Manager 2026 update.
FM26 - All Hotfixes and Patch Notes
Live log of every update - newest on top
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How to install the Football Manager 26 Steam Public Beta
Follow these steps to access the Football Manager 26 Steam Public Beta branch and test new updates before they go live.
- Locate Football Manager 26 in your Steam Library, right-click on it and select Properties.
- In the new window, select Betas from the menu on the left side.
- Under Beta Participation, open the dropdown and select public_beta.
- Steam will automatically download the Beta build. Launch it like any other game.
- Before launching, confirm your library entry says Football Manager 26 (Beta).
Beta Track FAQ
How to install the Beta Track version on Steam?
Just follow the steps above.
Can I install the Beta Track on Epic or Microsoft Store?
No – the Public Beta is available only for FM26 purchases made on Steam.
Can I load FM23–FM26 save games on the Beta version?
Yes, your older saves will work on the Beta Track.
Can I load Beta Track saves on the retail version?
Yes. Once the retail build updates to the same version, your saves will be fully compatible.
How do I revert to the retail version?
- In Steam Library, right-click Football Manager 26 → Properties → Betas
- In the Beta Participation dropdown, select None
- Close the window — Steam will revert you to the retail version automatically
What’s the difference between retail and Beta Track?
The Beta Track lets you preview fixes and improvements before public release. It’s perfect for players who want to help test stability updates or see what’s coming next.
FM26 Hotfix 26.1.1 brings 300+ fixes, UI upgrades, and smarter contracts.
The FM26 Hotfix 26.1.1 is now live via the Steam Public Beta Track, following the major 26.1.0 content update earlier this week. This patch delivers over 300 fixes and improvements, including better contract logic, refined match reports, and enhanced stability.
For instructions on how to access and download the Public Beta, visit the official SI guide here: How to install the Football Manager 26 Steam Public Beta.
This update also reaffirms the purpose of the Public Beta Track – to deliver new fixes and improvements to a wider player base as early as possible. Unless critical, feedback from this beta phase will inform the next main release.
FM26 Hotfix 26.1.1 (Update 5) NEW
Technical Issues
- Various Crash and Stability fixes.
- Fixed a softlock when selecting the Best of the Rest club expectation, then removing it when accepted.
- In-game items (Tactics, set pieces, shortlists, etc) will now show the correct time when saved.
- Refined shadows in overcast matches.
- Fixed a rare issue where certain saves couldn’t be loaded after switching from the Steam Public Beta Track in the last update.
- Fixed a rare issue of crowd noise audio continuing after the match has been completed.
- Fixed an online issue where the processing timer would appear within matches.
User Interface (UI)
- Improved half-time and post-match report screens.
- Improved past-match report screen.
- Fixed an issue with NXGN & Top Player in the World Award news items not displaying all candidates.
- Fixed an issue where the UI would become unresponsive after selecting the same Shout option twice in a row.
- Weather description no longer duplicates within Team News.
- Players who have recently left the team no longer display as options for Set Piece Takers.
- State saving for Selected Position is now enabled within the Squad Planner.
- Added multiple Columns to Player Search > Scout > Transfer table view.
- Added ‘Choose Visuals’ dropdown within Player Report > Performance Data.
- Added ability to see Staff Attributes on the Club Staff Coaching / Recruitment / Medical / All screen.
- Offers received on Deadline Day will now be a Must-respond item.
- Added a tooltip about Form within Opposition Report.
- Fixed issues surrounding the +/- buttons disappearing.
- Viewing past season results within the Stages card now functions correctly.
- The Ability and Potential columns now populate correctly within the Squad General Info view for AI teams.
- Subbed-off players will no longer appear in the right-click drop-down menu within Match Tactics.
- Fixed an issue where users were unable to make substitutions from the squad bar in matches.
- Own goals now display as intended within Match pop-up captions.
- Clicking "expand" on the Live Table now functions correctly.
- The correct lineup will now display for Opposition Instructions during a match.
- Fixed an issue where the captain indicator wasn’t appearing within UEFA Men’s Champions League and Conference League graphics.
- The players shown on the Youth Candidates portal message are now sorted by their rating category.
- B Team average age now displays correctly within the Portal message.
- Improvements made to offering out players via TransferRoom Out tool.
- User Transfer Budget now updates instantly when selling Clauses.
- User Player’s Transfer Status now updates instantly when they are removed from transfer/loan list.
- Squad screen now displays the wage that a loan player currently earns at the club they’re at, not their parent club wage.
- Fixed an issue where player contract demands were not displayed correctly when user ‘Asks Agent About Market Interest’ for a Free Agent.
- The ‘i’ icon now correctly appears within the contracts expiring portal message.
- The Contract Negotiation button will no longer be active if the player has signed a pre-contract agreement already.
- Full details of a Future Fee Loan Deal now display correctly within Clauses.
- Fixed an issue where the new season increase of ticket prices would display as 0%, regardless of actual figure.
- Sorting by Position now functions correctly on the Individual Training screen.
- The Coaching Conditions filter now functions correctly within Player Database.
- The sort by position column now functions correctly within League > Player Stats.
- Scout filter results will no longer show players who don’t meet the correct ability/potential criteria.
- Confirming the Suggested XI from the Portal message now functions correctly.
- Fixed an issue where the Continue button wouldn’t display on the pre-match Team Talk screen.
- Fixed an issue where the Graphic Quality dropdown wouldn’t open within Preferences.
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Send re-scouted player reports to Messages’ option within Shortlist wouldn’t work.
- Fixed an issue where changing tab/responsibilities in ‘Delegation’ would reset the view to Overview.
Gameplay
- Improvements to player logic for wanting a new contract.
- Improved staff contract renewal logic.
- Improved logic/messaging behind older players asking for new contracts.
- Improved logic to backup players demanding play time to get a national team call-up.
- Lowered the number of players at ‘Elite Clubs’ wanting the Domestic Trophy Promise.
- Users can now create Recruitment Focus for all active competitions in the save game.
- Resolved an issue where AI clubs would offer illogical playing time in their Loan Back offer.
- Resolved an issue where loan players were recalled to be sold at illogical times of the season.
- Fixed a rare issue where AI club would make a future fee loan bid for a player who has just joined the user’s club.
- Loan players can no longer get recalled if the loan club has triggered the buy clause.
- Fixed an issue where the Qualifying for UEFA Champions League conditional future fee would trigger for any European competition.
- Fixed an issue where a player would want to be both captain and vice-captain in pre-contract promises.
- Tweaks made to ensure AI clubs don’t make repeated loan offers for the same player.
- Functionality for the ‘Propose Loan Extension’ option now working as intended.
- Asking the assistant to create Mentoring Groups now works as intended.
- Added a "Makeshift" player positional rating icon.
In-Game Editor (IGE)
- Player/Non-Player header bar now updates instantly after transferring via the IGE.
- Fixed an issue where user was unable to edit Corporate Facilities rating.
- The “+” button next to the fee amounts now functions correctly.
- Dropdowns are now converted to tabs.
Note: This update is available first on the Steam Public Beta Track.
Once verified, it will be deployed to all platforms in the next full update.
FM26 Public Beta Update 26.1.0 brings back Matchday Shouts, custom attribute colours, and hundreds of fixes.
The FM26 26.1.0 Public Beta update is now live on Steam – introducing a massive range of bug fixes, new features, and gameplay improvements. If you’ve opted into the Steam Public Beta Branch, simply restart Steam to download the update automatically.
For instructions on how to access and download the update, visit the official SI guide here: How to install the Football Manager 26 Steam Public Beta.
This update brings back Matchday Shouts, introduces fully customisable attribute colouring, and refines the Match Engine and User Interface across hundreds of areas. Most changes are save-compatible, but some competition and rule updates will apply from the next in-game season or new save.
FM26 Public Beta – Update 26.1.0 (22/11/2025)
Technical
- Extensive crash and stability fixes.
- Further improvements made to in-game translations.
- Added Customisation options for user to be able to choose Attribute and Position colouring. (shown below)
- Fixed an issue where custom files (set piece, tactics, etc.) could not be loaded if they were renamed in File Explorer.
- Various improvements to saving/selecting custom training schedules.
- Fixed an issue where the Fixture tab wouldn’t appear when viewing the Calendar via a keyboard shortcut or the Bookmark button.
- Improved the drag and drop functionality for moving players within the Squad Planner.
- Fixed an issue where database language cannot be set separately to the game language.
- Fixed a very rare issue where saves imported from FM24 were unable to advance.
- Fixed an issue preventing users from attending a Job Interview with a Custom Database ported from FM24.
- Reworded all descriptions of the Keyboard Shortcuts.
- Added a Tooltip on processing speed/estimated game speed on Quick/Advanced start.
Match Engine, Match Experience, and Animation Changes
- Shouts reintroduced to matches. (shown below)
- Tweaks to the frequency of players shooting at the near post from tight angles.
- Improvements to defender reactions against opposition dribbling.
- Tweaks made to the line defenders hold when defending in their own box.
- Improved logic to defenders' decision-making with headers when not under pressure.
- Improved attacking movement of players during counter-attacking transitions.
- Various other Match AI tweaks.
- Fixed an issue where the disallowed goal caption appeared earlier than the VAR animation.
- Fixed an issue where substitution made at half-time were not immediately applied if the tactics screen was still open.
- Youth coaches will now rotate players more in youth matches.
- Fixed an issue where floating floodlights appeared in night-time matches when using Tactical or Dynamic sideline cameras.
- Fixed the captain indicator not appearing in the UEFA Conference League's Pre-match Lineup.
- Fixed an issue where a red card would incorrectly show for both teams in Men’s Champions League matches.
- Winter balls will no longer be used if the weather is only raining.
- Fixed an issue where event captions were shown all at once when switching out of Commentary Only highlights.
- Fixed various kit clashes, including Everton (home) vs Brighton (away).
- Improvements made to the Match Momentum Graph.
- 2D Classic - Managers and medical staff are now colored correctly.
- 2D Classic - Goal Nets will now correctly move when a goal is scored.
- 2D Classic – Ball will now be sized appropriately when the ball is in the air.
User Interface
- Extensive polish and refinement done to the User Interface.
- Improvements made to Squad Comparison screen within Scout Report.
- Wage Budget/Payroll on Tiles and Widgets will now display in the correct weekly/monthly/yearly format in line with user preferences.
- The Transfer Activity tile now states the number of days until the window opens and closes.
- Added a 'Recently viewed players' option on Player Comparison screen.
- The "i" tooltip will now appear next to the players on Goal50 and NXGN news items.
- Users can now add players from their Youth Squads to their Squad Planner.
- Fixed an issue where the Commercial Summary News did not display names/shirt numbers for most sold shirts.
- User can now open Past Match report when playing in low resolution on Calendar > Fixtures.
- The “Clear all” button now functions as intended when viewing a list of player recommendations.
- The correct fixture result now appears in Club Site -> About Club -> Latest results.
- Fixed an issue where IP/OOP role tiles would sometimes show the incorrect position for players.
- Own Goal scorers are no longer duplicated in the Calendar.
- Club hyperlinks on Club reports now function as intended.
- The Recruitment Focus tile now correctly displays the active number of focuses instead of the total number of focuses.
- Fixed an issue where the FM Menu couldn't be closed when using the "X" button upon loading a save game.
- The Medical Centre tile now displays the correct icon on 'players at risk of injury.'
- The Shortlist tile now updates in real time.
- The Transfer Window tile no longer displays as closed when the user declines to make an offer message.
- The Match Momentum legend now matches the displayed colours in the card and tile.
- Enabled sorting by player and by expected playing time in 'Playing time expectations for new season' Portal message.
- The Defensive Line tile no longer appears twice in All Instructions > Out of Possession tab.
- Tactics Evaluation will now display correctly when first opened.
- Fixed an issue where the Mark Specific Player list of players only appeared after reopening the instruction card.
- Fixed an issue where the mini pitches weren't appearing in the Formation Picker -> Suggested tab.
- Fixed an issue where the season date text displayed within Transfer History card was incorrect.
- The xG bar will now be coloured correctly on the Data Hub card.
- Fixed the Squad Planner Type tab not being highlighted when opening.
- Various search filters within the Player Database now function as intended; International Caps, Scouting Knowledge, ‘Days since last scouted’, Player footedness, to name a few.
- Position map now displays appropriately for Youth Candidates.
- Improved the colour contrast of the Reset button and the card's background on the Code of Conduct message.
Transfers, Loans, and Wages
- Various tweaks to Men's transfer values across multiple nations.
- Tweaks made to AI clubs loan offers.
- Tweaks made to Intermediary Suggestions.
- Improved various transfer-related logics for Saudi clubs.
- Improved wage and transfer budget distribution logic for AI clubs.
- Improved advice consistency between Transfer and Contract negotiations.
- Improvements made to the AI Transfer Negotiations when using Buy Back Fees or alternate Transfer Dates.
- Reduced the transfer budgets for Women’s teams to more realistic levels in relation to club finances.
- Tweaks to player wage demands in Women’s Football.
- Improved AI logic when using Buy Back clauses in Women’s Football.
- Tweaks to player interest for high-profile free agents.
- Fixed an issue where AI clubs would include future fees in loan deals for players with less than 12 months remaining on their contract.
- Added a ‘Sign Replacement First’ option back into the main transfer negotiation.
- AI clubs will now set more realistic goals during negotiations for loan players.
- Fixed an issue where AI clubs would ask for the loan back of a player who is already out on loan.
- Tweaks made to ensure AI clubs only make offers they can afford.
- Fixed an issue where user would receive transfer offers when selecting multiple players to be loan listed.
- Improved the messaging surrounding users who are unable to enter contract negotiation for a player that has no interest.
- Fixed an issue where a player would lose work permit after joining permanently in a Mandatory Future Fee deal.
- Wage percentages now populate correctly when the user switches from Transfer Offer to Loan Offer tab.
- Reduction in the number of non-negotiable transfer offers made by the AI for youth players.
- Adjustments made to how AI clubs offer minimum fee release clauses.
- Users can now offer a player near retirement a staff-only contract.
- Player wage will now display correctly even if exceeding the maximum amount the user can offer within the Contract Offer tool.
- Fixed an issue when offering a player via TransferRoom caused the action to be inactive for a month.
- The correct reasoning will now be given when user selects 'Cancel proposal' for player currently under offer within TransferRoom Out card.
- The wage budget now updates in real time within the Recruitment Budgets tile when the user alters the budget.
- Fixed an issue where the Set for Release and Instruct Director of Football to Negotiate renewal actions did not function correctly within ‘Contracts set to expire’ message.
- The correct amount that is to be deducted from next season’s transfer budget will now be displayed within the ‘Set to Move’ on loan portal message.
- Offer contract action will now become inactive after making an offer for a player.
- The Playing Monthly Fee will now correctly display within Loan Offer messages.
- Fixed an issue with ‘Wage After Reaching International Appearances’ clause not functioning correctly for players who already have caps.
- Fixed an issue where the Wage Percentages when offering a player out via TransferRoom for loan would sometimes appear as N/A.
Misc & Competitions
- Improvements to the variety and relevance of News shown on the ‘For You’ News tab.
- Fixed issues related to the UEFA Nation Co-efficient calculation for Bonus points and Playoff round results.
- Users can now arrange friendlies for youth team squads.
- Fixed an issue where U21 players with 2+ years in the club were unable to play in the UEFA Champions League.
- Fixed an issue where you could register more players than required via the 'Ask assistant to pick' option.
- Added new press conference questions surrounding player performance and tactics.
- Improved attribute distribution for Newgen goalkeepers.
- Fixed issue where Youth Candidates appeared multiple times within portal messages.
- Functionality added to send B team staff on coaching courses.
- Fixed multiple board and morale logic bugs, improved attendance realism, corrected staff contracts, rule errors, and national registration rules worldwide.
- Updated competition rules and scheduling across all major regions (Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, etc.).
Online & In-Game Editor
- Fixed multiple soft lock issues when using idle managers and processing after options.
- Re-enabled 'Disable following other humans' preference.
- Fixed an issue where all users would receive Team Report if one user requests one.
- Manager Password - 'Resume Control' password field text is now correctly masked.
- Enter/Return keys now work when searching for a server manually or entering a password.
- In-Game Editor:
- Updated access to IGE to be top bar button only.
- Added functionality to import/export attribute templates.
- Added Staff role option when moving a player eligible for staff roles.
- Fixed ‘Allow Squad Registration Anytime’ not functioning as intended.
- Fixed swapped editable youth ratings between Men’s and Women’s national teams.
- Fixed various issues related to ‘Remove All Injuries’ for players and clubs.
- Job roles now clearly state what club they’re for.
- Fixed wage field always showing per week regardless of settings.
- Fixed crash when moving a staff member to be youth/reserve team manager.
- When adding homegrown eligibility, only clubs from respective men’s/women’s databases will now display.
Note: Most updates apply instantly after restarting the game. Competition and rule changes may require a new save.
Hotfix 26.0.6.2230700
The FM26 26.0.6 Private Beta update is now live via the Steam Public Beta Track. If you’re part of the beta branch, simply restart Steam and the update will download automatically. You can also follow our official step-by-step guide here: How to install the FM26 Steam Public Beta.
This update includes all 200+ fixes from the previous build (18 November), plus new tweaks and additional improvements that were brought forward while resolving the knock-on issue reported earlier this week. It focuses on crash and stability fixes, user interface polish, translation updates, and further online match stability improvements.
View full changelist
- Further extensive polish and refinement to the User Interface.
- Further crash and stability fixes across the game.
- Further fixes to freezes at Half-Time during Human vs Human Online Matches.
- Further improvements to in-game translations.
- Fixed freeze issue in Online Games when using Large Custom Databases.
- Fixed soft lock while trying to view a past match.
- Fixed issue preventing access or changes to youth team Training Calendar.
- Added preference option for user to select desired FPS or match monitor refresh rate.
- Added button to view Match Stats, Momentum, and xG story during highlights.
- General tweaks to overall screen flow.
- Added preference to adjust crowd quality.
- Fixed issue where incorrect European coefficient points were added after knockout second legs.
- Fixed issue where Association Coefficients were not correctly allocated in qualifying or playoff stages.
- Fixed bug causing current season coefficient total to show as zero until end of season.
- Improved logic behind youth player wage demands.
- Improved wage demand logic in lower leagues.
- Fixed issue where player condition would always display full.
- Tweaked rain frequency in matches.
- Snow now appears outside stadiums, not just on the pitch.
- Fixed crash when continuing with UAE clubs during Advanced Game Setup.
- Loading a tactic within a match now works correctly.
- Fixed issue preventing assigning shirt numbers to loaned players.
- Fixed home kit icon always displaying in-match tactics planner regardless of actual kit.
- Data Hub > Last Match > Summary now displays correct match data.
- Fixed Place of Birth field in Manager Creation.
- Clicking ‘Apply’ when filtering Player Search attributes now returns to correct screen.
- Fixed all substitutes showing as “S1” during team talks.
- Fixed Ligue 1 trophy image showing regardless of competition.
- Fixed Prize Money portal message incorrectly stating a draw.
- Added Recruitment Budgets tile to Finance Summary.
- Fixed ability to create Recruitment Focus for wrong gender competitions.
- Refined AI transfer logic for Saudi clubs.
- Fixed substitution dropdowns in in-match tactics planner.
- Match highlights now sync correctly in online saves.
- Passing Risk instruction now correctly locked as “Take More Risks” for Playmaker roles.
- Fixed sub goalkeeper wearing outfield kit in match tactics planner.
- Fixed issue allowing ineligible players to register.
- Fixed Team Leaders meeting including the player being discussed.
- Fixed issue allowing transfer renegotiation after agreement.
- Improved squad-building logic for top clubs.
- Players will now decline negotiations if wage expectations exceed club limit.
- Fixed Finance Graph always showing USD.
- Club Finances now display correct income and expenditure.
- Opposition Instructions now correctly reflect substitutions.
- Fixed Sponsorships card not opening.
- Fixed sponsorship end date displaying as 1/1/1900.
- First-team players no longer wear subs bibs during pre-match talks.
- Tweaked post-match reputation impact logic.
- Fixed issue preventing leading all team talks when managing multiple teams.
- USA: Adjust Cap Impact bar now functions correctly.
- Player Comparison polygon graph now displays correct attribute points.
- IGE Fixes: Editing dual player/staff roles now functions properly.
- Fixed Stadium Condition edit field in IGE.
- Club colour edits in IGE now correctly save.
- Fixed IGE icon appearing even when turned off in settings.
- Maximising Familiarity in IGE now updates instantly.
- Fixed crash when editing contract expiry of non-player in IGE.
Applies to existing saves after updating and reloading.
Hotfix 26.0.5.2229500
This update delivers more than 200 fixes and improvements across multiple areas of the game, focusing on gameplay, match performance, stability, and several long-standing UI issues.
View full changelist
- Added legacy preference option to continue through messages via the space bar.
- Numerous tile/card polish and alignment fixes.
- Numerous further fixes to translations.
- Substantial crash and stability fixes (some listed below).
- Fixed crash when adding Club Affiliation via Pre-Game Editor (PGE).
- Fixed crash when changing manager’s team via In-Game Editor (IGE).
- Fixed IGE issue where Transfer and Wage Budget edits wouldn’t apply.
- Fixed soft lock when trying to move a player to another club using the IGE.
- Fixed crash on M1/Intel Macs when starting a match.
- Further fixes to Matches freezing in singleplayer and online modes.
- Fixed slowdown in 2D match overview screen.
- Scroll bar now remembers position when returning to a tile/card.
- Added Save Team Selection and Clear Squad/Subs options in Tactics.
- Fixed “Auto-size all Columns” leaving empty space on tables.
- “Sort Attributes Using English Language Sorting” now works correctly.
- Japan: Fixed foreign player limit rules.
- England: Fixed issue preventing season start due to scheduling bug in National League Playoff Final.
- USA: Updated Designated Player rule path.
- Fixed sorting by Role Ability in Player Selector during matches.
- Added Star Ratings widget to Squad Planner.
- Body language now correctly updates during meetings.
- Global Search bar now closes when hyperlink is pressed.
- Fixed swapped club badges in Cup Final news items with neutral venues.
- Opposition Instruction advice now applies correctly.
- Fixed Recruitment Focus showing as complete when cancelled.
- Fixed incorrect season ticket waiting list counts (showing 0).
- Fixed NXGN award not being handed out.
- Fixed “Place of Birth” field not populating during manager creation.
- Fixed save game prompt overlap during Portal tutorial.
- Fixed issue where Saudi clubs didn’t renew contracts often enough.
- Fixed profile preview ‘i’ appearing for non-player entities.
- Agent feedback now correctly appears in Market Interest dialogues.
- Realigned columns in Interested Clubs list during offers.
- Fixed issue returning to start screen after deleting all manager profiles.
- Realigned Career Milestones and fixed cutoffs on Registration card.
- Fixed automatic message opening on Messages tab select.
- ‘Arrange Friendly’ button now shows correctly on first Fixture Schedule open.
- Pre-Match Lineups hide Form when no data exists.
- Future Transfers filter in Transfer History now functions properly.
- Fixed “Change/Withdraw Offer” buttons not updating immediately.
- Fixed Manager Creator storing previous role incorrectly.
- Mentality now updates correctly when changed mid-match.
- Reworked positional familiarity colour display on player map.
- Fixed ‘Really Good’ morale icon display.
- Team Priorities card now functions correctly.
- Fixtures card now distinguishes penalty shootout scorers correctly.
- AI Club Fixtures now display correctly if user is unemployed.
- Fixed incorrect head coach name in UEFA Women’s CL pre-match lineup graphic.
- Finances > Summary now displays correctly for teams without FFP.
- Recruitment > Player Database – role selection now highlights correct Key Attributes.
- Fixed Ability and Potential columns showing empty data in Recruitment Focus view.
- Newly promoted clubs now receive realistic wage budgets.
- Agreed Playing Time column now shows correct data.
- Multi-Select for “Available for U21/U18 match” now works properly.
Applies to existing saves after updating and reloading.
Hotfix 26.0.4.2230011
A major FM26 update is now live via the Steam Public Beta track, bringing over three hundred fixes and quality of life upgrades. Highlights include customisable attribute colours, a new option to disable or slow UI transitions, and a fresh 1.5x match speed setting. This patch reflects your early beta feedback — addressing crashes, polishing UI elements and improving match stability. If you’re on the beta branch, here’s everything you need to know.
This build delivers over 300 fixes and enhancements across stability, UI, match performance and presentation. It introduces more personalisation through new display preferences and smoother transitions. Below are the key highlights and changes included.
Key changes and fixes
- Substantial crash and stability fixes.
- Numerous string translation and text alignment fixes.
- Numerous tile and card polish updates.
- Further fixes to matches freezing at the start of the second half in Career mode.
- Added preference to turn off or alter the speed of UI transitions between screens.
- New default colouring of attributes to make ratings more distinguishable.
- Added preference option to customise attribute colours manually.
- Added 1.5x Match Speed during highlights and 4x Match Speed between highlights.
- Manually scouting a player now correctly delegates an appropriate scout.
- Newgen portraits now appear during match broadcast graphics.
- Fixed issue preventing substitutions from processing when made at half time via tactics screen.
- Fixed issue where white match ball would appear in snowy conditions.
- Set piece attributes now visible when assigning Set Piece or Penalty takers.
- Tactic Familiarity now correctly progresses over time within Match Day > Tactics.
- Fixed issue causing World Golden Ball award bias towards South American players.
- Text scaling preference option now saves correctly after exiting the game.
- Fixed issue preventing user from closing Fixtures & Results popup post-match.
- Fixed issue causing Player Database to return incorrect results when switching Interest Levels.
- Fixed issue forcing users to holiday past End of Season Team Meetings.
- Staff Responsibilities page made more accessible and easier to locate.
- Club Staff carousel options now navigate correctly to chosen views.
- Career Stats no longer display GK columns for outfield players.
- Fixed issue preventing UCL squad registration despite correct homegrown numbers.
- Correct pronouns now used within ‘Ask Agent About Availability’ conversation.
- Mental Attributes now display correctly when set within Staff Database tool.
- Fixed issue preventing display of promoted/relegated clubs in Season Preview.
- Club badges now shown on Media Dream Eleven.
- Back navigation arrow shortcut now functional across cards and tools.
- Debt and Loan start/until dates now display correctly within Club > Finances.
- Fixed missing squad numbers when making a single substitution.
- Improved visibility of injury icon on red kits.
- ‘None’ can now be selected as an option for Individual Training.
- Users can now remove previously set Individual Training Focus.
- Managerial Vacancies now display both men’s and women’s teams.
- Fixed issue where player rejected own asking price during negotiations.
- Fixed issue blocking progress if a loanee was injured on international duty.
- Manager Creation - accessories and wrinkles now display correctly.
- Manager attire colour choices now save correctly.
- Fixed issue where remove button didn’t appear in Squad Planner.
- Fixed issue allowing sale of instalments within clauses tool incorrectly.
- Club Header in Welcome Pack now displays correct information.
- Transfer instalments can now only be mortgaged from point of takeover.
- Refined 2025 squad registration rules for NWSL.
- ‘Exit Talks’ button now functions correctly within Contract Negotiations.
- Reworked Match Momentum Graph for better contrast and readability.
- Opposition team now highlighted in Europa and Conference League pre-match tables.
- Winners now display correctly within Competitions card.
- Instant Result for friendlies now returns you to the main portal correctly.
- Red card icons now display correctly in men’s Champions League scorebars.
- Fixed aggregate score spacing within Champions League scorebars.
- Spacebar can now be used to interrupt holiday or processing.
- ‘Find Similar Player To…’ now filters correctly in Player Database.
- Fixture tile on Portal now updates correctly post-match.
- ‘Scouting Finished’ and ‘Intermediary Suggestion’ headlines now display player names.
- Fixed Attributes Graph lines missing in Progress Report.
- Added Leave button to Continue panel for spectators during online matches.
- Fixed inconsistency of teams being pre-selected by default in Quick Start.
- Fixed Serie A non-EU rule preventing valid registrations.
- Unmanageable divisions no longer shown in Advanced Game Setup.
- Improved tooltip logic and wrapping for in-game hints.
- Tooltip restored to First Team > Form showing numeric ratings.
- Changed colour styling in First Team > Position Selectors for clarity.
- Fixed Medical Centre > Season Summary table not loading despite injured players.
Available on the Steam Public Beta track. Applies to existing saves after updating and reloading.
Hotfix 26.0.3.2228945
A smaller FM26 update is live on Steam and Epic. The headline change gives you proper control over pre-generated versus dynamically generated player and staff images.
An in-game toggle was not behaving as intended in previous builds, so SI have revised the flow to make it clearer and better for lower-end hardware, which was always the goal.
To be crystal clear, Newgen faces are not all pre-determined. You can now choose your preferred behaviour in the settings. A few stability and translation tweaks are bundled in too. Full notes below.
This update focuses on giving you control over how player and staff images are displayed, with an emphasis on performance for lower-end devices. It also includes match and stability fixes plus translation updates.
What’s fixed
- Fixed an issue affecting the preference to show pictures of players and staff generated by the game.
- Added a preference to switch between pre-generated or dynamically generated player and staff images, improving performance options for lower-end hardware.
- Further fixes to matches freezing.
- Various stability fixes.
- Updated translations.
Applies to existing saves after updating and reloading.
Hotfix 26.0.2.2228087
Please find the changes included in today’s hotfix below.
What’s fixed
- Various crash and stability fixes
- Added Staff informational tooltip - the i icon - on various screens
- Opening a player profile now automatically selects their best position and role
- Users can now compare two players that are on the Scouting Shortlist
- Added button to squad card to allow you to hold a team meeting
- Added Transfer Budget Remaining and Wage Budget Remaining on Transfer Activity card
- Fitted more teams onto league tables without having to scroll
- Fixed issue where match would sometimes freeze after half time
- Fixed mohawk style hair appearing on too many players at once in matches
- Fixed being unable to select or click player models to show names during a match
- Fixed Match Stats tile data disappearing during matches
- Fixed rare instance of goalkeepers teleporting during a match
- Fixed forced substitutes not taking place immediately, for example injured goalkeeper
- Fixed issue where all staff were listed as Team - Senior Squad even if their job was with a youth team
- Fixed issue where manually assigning a Scout or Analyst to a Recruitment Focus caused other details to not apply
- Fixed issue where creating a Recruitment Focus with Further Details caused other details to not apply
- Fixed Back arrow in full screen meetings changing header but not taking user back correctly
- Fixed match issue preventing players being moved in combined tactics screen if two or more subs had been made
- Fixed being unable to save changes to an already created tactic
- Fixed issue where selecting another users’ fixture schedule took you to your own schedule
- Fixed scoreboard appearing empty during Europa League and Conference League matches
- Fixed user being unable to add Personality to custom columns
- Fixed various clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Fulham not receiving youth intakes
- Fixed issue where Goals highlights for past matches jumped straight to post match cut scene
- Fixed training sessions changed by user resetting after a few days
- Fixed incorrect badges displaying for players at AI clubs within Transfer Activity tool
- Fixed issue where clicking a player's name via See All showed them as a player at your club
- Fixed being unable to see a second status icon if there was more than one per player
- Fixed opening Tactic or Match Feedback from the Secondary Nav Bar leading to the wrong card
- Fixed Loan Playing Time always showing as Surplus to Requirements
- Fixed loan report showing goalkeeper stats for outfielders
- Fixed upside down pitch overlapping text on Match Report of a loaned out player
- Fixed Data Hub screen splitting in half when the tab was not set to Key Findings
- Fixed no spacing between league name and nation name of the club in Affiliates card
- Fixed tiles in Team Instructions being cut off on Medium and Low resolutions
- Fixed fee column not being wide enough on Transfer History card
- Fixed News Aggregator Around the World - Stages and Transfer tiles appearing empty on some saves
- Fixed EFL clubs having too many General Sponsors
- Fixed Club Vision tile spacing issues and text overlaps
- Fixed text overlap on Atmosphere tile
- Fixed staff numbers and icons being misaligned on Club - Staff Report and Club Staff page
- Stages - Season Preview: Reputation block now aligns with Club Name in the Managers tile
- Fixed match result truncating over two lines when a team scores double digits or after a penalty shoot out
- Fixed dropdown options in Staff Search Add Attributes appearing as numbers instead of text
- Fixed assigning Scout or Analyst showing attribute numbers instead of text in Recruitment Focuses
- Fixed player column size in Youth Setup being too short while the Position column was too large
- Fixed assistant manager advice blocking Squad Registration confirmation
- Fixed random empty box visible when viewing empty Promises tile
- Fixed various misalignments on certain Portal - Messages
- Fixed filters in Data Hub Team Analytics and Player Analytics not working as intended
- Fixed misalignment for the frequency on Advice and Reports tile
- Fixed a second Stages tile appearing in Match Day dashboard on medium resolutions
- Added tooltip and fixed text overrun on Injury Update message
- Competitions - Past Winners: team that finished 2nd place is now visible
- Added visual improvements to the fixture schedule card
- Opposition Instructions: Ask assistant renamed to Apply all advice
Applies to existing saves after updating and reloading.
Hotfix 26.0.1.2227341
Another FM26 hotfix is live on Steam and Epic. Thanks for the huge wave of feedback - engagement has been off the charts with more than 200,000 managers playing every day since launch, nearly double a usual Beta. The SI teams are combing through reports across socials, forums and SEGA channels to prioritise the issues that hit the most players. Here is what changed today.
What’s fixed
- Various crash and stability fixes
- Fixed club logos for unlicensed teams appearing in low resolution
- Fixed an issue where players set as bald in the database had hair in matches
- Fixed Player Report attributes not alphabetically listing when changing languages
- Fixed screen corruption on Staff Report in mid or low resolution
- Fixed player names overlapping in Opposition Instructions
- Fixed issue where Bans had an empty state display
- Fixed an issue where the match sometimes paused when changing instructions
- Fixed misaligned shirt icons in matches when a player was subbed or scored or assisted
- Fixed wrong symbol for red cards on the full time report
- Added missing club logos on the home screen when loading the game
- Do It button in pre match flow now works as expected
- Red card icon now appears on the match events tile when a player is sent off after a second yellow
- Key attributes for staff are now highlighted when a role is selected
- Windowed mode not working on Mac now fixed
- Fixed soft lock when offering a player for a trial
- Fixed soft lock when adding a youth player to first team training units
Applies to existing saves after updating and reloading.
Hotfix 26.0.0.2226107
Today’s update is live for both Steam and Epic. There is no need to switch to a Beta branch - just restart FM26 and the update should download automatically. If it doesn’t, please log a ticket so support can assist. Updates planned for Wednesday (29th) and Thursday (30th) will also arrive directly via Steam and Epic.
What’s fixed
- Various crash fixes
- Fixed a crash where users’ Pictures folder is missing or unavailable
- Fixed issue where wrong column label appears on Recruitment - Contracts
- Fixed icons for Captain and Vice-Captain being the wrong way round on the Captains tile
- Added Opposition Instructions, Set Pieces and Penalties links to the pre-match Team Selection screen
- Fixed issues with the PKD column not being correctly ordered after creating a tactic
- Fixed issue where the X button on the Fitness card couldn’t be closed when opened from the Tactics or Squad screen
- Fixed issue where the Loan report tile doesn’t appear when the Loan Card is first opened
- Fixed work permit warning incorrectly generating in the Transfer Offer tool
- Fixed displayed option not visually changing when user adjusts Mentality or Tactical Style during a match
- Fixed soft lock where users were able to open another team’s match highlights during their own match
- Fixed Champions League squad registration already being selected by assistant manager on game start
- Fixed search bar incorrectly showing players as playing for your club after clicking ‘See All’
- Fixed issue where you were sometimes unable to pick a team for a match
- Fixed issue where you couldn’t see or load files when your folder path had non-English letters in
- Fixed issue where going to your squad or recruitment screens could cause a crash
- Fixed issue when using player search
- Fixed issue when viewing transfer activity
- Fixed issue when viewing transfer offer
- Fixed an issue where the Aged Between (Years) filter within Player Search did not function correctly
- Online: Fixed being unable to make transfer offers whilst the host player is in a match
- Fixed Player - New Routine interactions resetting Set Piece Type to Corner
- Fixed Staff popup incorrectly displaying as a Player Report instead of a Staff Report
- Fixed issue when controller introduction triggered
- Fixed issue when renaming custom view
- Fixed an issue where changing tactics would result in Team Selector being empty
- Fixed some Italian managers having an illogical IP - OOP requirement when in Transfer Room Out
- UI improvements to the season stats panel on a player’s profile
Applies to existing saves after updating and reloading.
Hotfix 26.0.0.2224769
We’ve released a hotfix for the Football Manager 26 Advanced Access Beta that addresses issues reported by the community since launch. These changes will be reflected in existing save files.
What’s fixed
- Various stability fixes
- Fixed crash when creating a new save game
- Fixed issue where back button incorrectly takes user to previous team meeting
- Filter on tactics screen now works in all resolutions
- Fixed issue with radio buttons text formatting during manager creation
- Fixed crash when using Player instruction
- Fixed issue where sometimes the continue button wouldn’t work
- Player silhouette icons are no longer misaligned in Squad > First Team
- Fixed soft lock after creating a new FMFC account and attempting to sign in
- Fixed occasional crash when using any team talk option after a match
- Fixed issue where sometimes you were unable to leave a match
- Fixed issue where player-exchange transfers could cause the joining player to become a free agent on completion
- Fixed issue where users were unable to close the Tactical Analysis view if they visited a player profile
- Fixed issue where keyboard shortcuts could cause a soft lock during manager creation
Applies to existing saves after updating and reloading.
FM26 Updates - FAQ
How do I update FM26?
- Steam: Library - right click Football Manager 2026 - Properties - Updates - verify files if needed.
- Epic: Library - three dots on FM26 - Manage - Update. Restart the launcher if it stalls.
Do hotfixes apply to existing saves?
Yes. Unless SI state otherwise, fixes apply after you update and reload your save.
Where do I report a bug?
Post it on the official tracker with clear steps to reproduce and screenshots or a save file: FM26 Bugs Tracker.
How do I check my game version?
From the main menu, look in the bottom corner of the screen or on the title screen. It will show something like 26.0.0.2226107.
Epic vs Steam - do both get hotfixes?
Hotfixes roll out via Steam and usually Epic. If SI restrict a Beta branch on Epic, you will need the next main build to see changes.
Update not downloading?
Restart Steam or Epic, clear download cache, and verify files. Temporary CDN delays can hold updates back for a short while.
Can I roll back to a previous version?
Steam sometimes offers a previous build under Betas. If there is no option, rollbacks are not available for that patch.
Tip - the newest hotfix is always at the top of this page. Use the jump list to hop to any build.
