Only 27% Positive Reviews — Steam Gamers Slam Football Manager 26

Football Manager 26 launched on November 4, but it quickly came under fire from hundreds of Steam users. At the time of writing, the game holds just 27% positive reviews. Many players are criticizing the new release for its inconvenient interface.

Here’s what gamers are saying:

The game’s daily peak player count reached 67,000.

Football Manager 26 is the latest entry in the renowned football management sim series, now powered by the Unity engine. The game features an updated interface, revamped visuals, and an improved match system designed to deliver greater immersion and realism on the pitch. FM26 introduces new tactical options, allowing players to separately plan attacking and defensive schemes, as well as more detailed player roles and dynamic team action displays.

For the first time in the series, women’s football is included, featuring 14 leagues from 11 countries, along with an official Premier League license complete with authentic club badges, kits, and player photos. The enhanced match engine, now with motion capture technology, makes each match feel more lively and unpredictable.

Expanded transfer tools, including TransferRoom integration, give managers more precise control over their squads and help track market trends. The new Portal and FMPedia interface aims to make navigation more user-friendly, while the manager editor allows for deeper customization of appearance and backstory. Football Manager 26 maintains the classic core of the series but delivers a modern, large-scale, and visually refreshed take on football management.

Previously, gamers also heavily criticized the remaster of Plants vs. Zombies.