A practical breakdown of the FM26 first look stream - what’s genuinely new, what feels better, and where it still needs polish.
We watched the FM26 First Look Playthrough end to end and pulled out what actually matters - the new Unity-powered matchday, a cleaner UI with portals and tiles, the in and out of possession tactical model, and practical QoL changes you’ll feel on day one. Links below if you’re here to prep your device, grab the beta, or pick a first save.
- FM26 discount - best price and Beta access info
- PC Laptop Rater - can your laptop run FM26
- FM Blog Premium Members - early access to our packs and tools
- FM26 Save Ideas Hub - pick your first career
FM26 - what’s actually new from the stream
Unity engine and a licensed Premier League presentation
The move to Unity underpins sharper visuals and new match animations sourced from real matches, while the Premier League license elevates presentation on and off the pitch. Women’s football is fully integrated - with 14 women’s leagues from 11 countries and WSL licensing - and you can run men’s only, women’s only, or both in one save.
Start-up flow, manager creator and tutorials that matter
The new start flow includes Quick Start vs Advanced, plus a deep manager creator with body types, outfits, facial sculpting and cosmetics. Veterans are urged to do the tutorials because the UI has changed enough to break old muscle memory.
Carry on - online mode and old saves
Online mode is present, and there’s a converter so you can load FM23 and FM24 saves despite the engine change.
New UI concept - portals, tiles, cards, pop-ups and power search
Each major area has a ‘portal’ with tiles that open to cards, some with pop-up quick views. FMPedia lives in the search bar - type a football concept and jump straight to the right screen, or read the built-in encyclopedia entry.
Bookmarks scale with your screen
Default is six bookmarks, but high resolution displays can run twelve, and you can star from a much larger list.
In and out of possession - two formations, phase-based instructions
For the first time you set separate in possession and out of possession formations, then layer team instructions by phase - build-up, progression and final third - and even by pitch zones. It’s the biggest tactical change in years and it shows.
Dual-role preferences and clearer ratings
Players have role preferences for both phases. You can assign different roles in possession and out of possession, compare options, and see phase-specific star ratings.
Recruitment - contract colour coding and a transfer room that talks back
Contracts use a clear colour key for time remaining, and Transfer Room In/Out shows what other clubs are seeking while letting you advertise your needs - proper marketplace feel.
What we saw on matchday - quick notes
- Licensed PL look and stadium dressing, improved walkouts and broadcast vibes.
- Sharper camera work, steadier highlight transitions and cleaner ball flight.
- Live tactical tweaks have immediate, readable feedback and phase animations.
Quick answers
Can I play with women’s football
Yes - 14 women’s leagues from 11 countries, WSL licensed, and you can run men’s, women’s or both.
Can I import my FM23 or FM24 save
Yes - there’s a converter built for the engine switch.
Is there a beta
Yes - beta access is available via pre-purchase from participating retailers, per the stream outro.
If you spot anything else from the playthrough we should test, drop a comment - we’ll verify and add it to our hubs.
All feature points above are taken directly from the FM26 First Look Playthrough stream. We never speculate beyond what’s shown or stated in the video.
