10 hidden FM26 UI features that save time and stop dumb mistakes.
FM26 is out, the “new UI shock” has worn off, and you’ve probably already built at least one save that’s either flying or on fire.
Here’s the problem.
Most players still miss genuinely useful tools because FM26 hides them behind sensible menus instead of shoving them in your face. If you still haven’t found these, that’s not “the game being confusing” - that’s you speed-running the same habits from older FMs.
This list is based on what’s actually in FM26 right now (not beta talk). Ten quality-of-life features that save time, reduce mistakes, and make you look like you know what you’re doing.
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Credit where it’s due: This list was inspired by Zealand’s YouTube video “10 Things You Didn’t Know About FM26”. I’ve tested each one in the FM26 retail build, added my own screenshots, and written the exact menu paths so you can find everything fast.
Watch the original video here: Zealand - 10 Things You Didn’t Know About FM26
FM26 hidden features - quick checklist
- Squad Registration filters
- Tactics screen - real player zones
- Discipline tracking
- Opposition Report
- Calendar + quick navigation
- Supporters’ opinions per player
- Match Rules explained
- TransferRoom selling shortcuts
- Contracts view (wage share)
- On-demand staff advice
1) Squad Registration filters that actually make sense
Squad Registration used to be a mess. Status icons stacked, hidden, and just annoying enough to make you register the wrong player at the worst possible moment.
In FM26, the left side filters are the cheat code. Click what you need and the list instantly narrows down.
Use it like this
- Filter foreign players in one click
- Filter U21s instantly (so you stop registering them when you don’t need to)
- Filter home-grown rules without playing “guess the eligibility”
It’s not glamorous, but it prevents dumb mistakes - which is basically half of Football Manager.
2) The tactics screen now shows where players will really end up
FM26 tactics give you more options, which is great. It also means you can accidentally create a tactical crime scene and not realise until you’re 2-0 down.
There’s a visual indicator showing the zones players are likely to occupy depending on where the ball is. It helps you understand spacing and responsibilities fast.
Why you should care
- You spot empty zones before opponents exploit them
- You catch role clashes (too many players crowding the same space)
- You understand pressing shape and how high people actually step up
If you’re the type who claims you “press high” but your midfield is chilling 20 yards behind - this exposes you.
3) Discipline tracking in one place
Suspensions always hit when you’re already short on depth. FM26 gives you a cleaner discipline view so you can see what’s coming before it ruins your weekend.
What to check
- Who’s racking up cards like it’s a hobby
- Active bans and what competitions they apply to
- Players one booking away from missing the next match
Tiny edge, big impact - especially in cups and congested schedules.
4) Opposition Report that’s actually worth opening
Opposition prep used to be something you did when you were bored. FM26 makes the report easier to find and easier to read, so it becomes a real part of your routine.
What you’ll get quickly
- A clearer overview of how they play
- Key threats and where they hurt teams
- Organised data you can act on, not just noise
If you ignore this, don’t complain when their one obvious danger man scores twice.
5) Calendar and quick navigation that stops the click-fest
FM is at its best when you’re moving quickly through the season. FM26 makes that easier by letting you jump into relevant areas from the calendar and related screens.
In plain terms: fewer pointless clicks, more actual managing.
How it helps day-to-day
- You keep your week organised without hunting menus
- You adjust training with the schedule in mind
- You stay on top of workload instead of reacting after injuries
It’s not “new”, it’s just finally practical.
6) Supporters’ opinions per player (yes, they are savage)
FM26 lets you see how supporters feel about individual players in the squad performance feedback area. Not just the team overall - specific players.
It’s useful, and it’s also hilarious when your “undroppable” star is getting cooked.
Why it matters
- You see who’s genuinely winning fans over
- You spot signings that are flopping in the real mood of the club
- You understand why pressure is rising even if results look fine
If you keep forcing a hated player into the XI, don’t act surprised when the atmosphere turns.
7) Match Rules explained like you’re not a lawyer
Ever assumed extra time was coming, then it goes straight to penalties? Same.
FM26 has a Match Rules view that clearly lays out the rules for the competition you’re about to play in.
Check this before kick-off
- Extra time or straight to pens
- How many subs you can use
- How many you can name on the bench
This is the kind of boring detail that saves you from stupid surprises.
8) TransferRoom shortcuts that make selling players less painful
Offering out players used to feel like shouting into the void. FM26 improves it with TransferRoom features that show you what other clubs are actively looking for.
You can browse those club needs, then quickly offer matching players. It’s a step closer to selling with intent instead of hoping someone bites.
Simple way to use it
- Go to Recruitment and open the TransferRoom section
- Find a club that needs a position you want to sell
- Use the quick option to offer suitable players
You’re no longer guessing who might want your surplus right-back. You’re responding to demand.
9) Contracts view that unlocks proper Moneyball thinking
This one is elite.
In Recruitment, there’s a Contracts panel where you can sort players by the percentage of your wage bill they occupy. That’s the key part - percentage, not just raw wages.
It’s instantly useful because it shows you who is truly warping your finances. No spreadsheet. No mental maths. Just the truth.
What you can do with it
- Set your own “max wage share” rule for any single player
- Spot overpaid squad players immediately
- Decide who gets renewed, who gets moved on, and who gets benched
If your wage budget keeps collapsing, this is where you start being ruthless.
10) On-demand staff advice (hidden, but brilliant)
The final one is easy to miss.
In the Portal Messages area, there’s a star icon. Click it and you can pull up staff advice whenever you want.
No waiting for inbox timing. No “why hasn’t my staff told me this yet?” You summon it.
When it’s most useful
- Three days left in the transfer window - pull recruitment advice instantly
- Off-season - check staffing needs without digging around
- You’re worried a player isn’t developing - pull development advice on demand
This is how you turn staff advice from background noise into a tool you control.
Official FM26 Resources
For more information about Football Manager 2026, visit the official website: FootballManager.com where you’ll find feature deep dives, patch notes, and release news directly from Sports Interactive.
Final thought
FM26 rewards players who slow down for five minutes and actually learn the new layout. If you keep playing it like an older FM, you’ll miss half the quality-of-life stuff and blame the UI for your own habits.
If you’ve found other hidden gems, drop them in the comments. I’m always looking for the next “why didn’t anyone tell me this?” feature.
