Maximising your Match Days in FM26

Rebuilt Cutscenes

The moments just before kick-off are filled with palpable tension as you watch your players line up in the tunnel and take to the field.

In FM26, those moments are made all the more special by virtue of every in-game cinematic cut scene having been remade with the Unity engine. They’re even more special in the Premier League and UEFA Club Competitions, with the official branding and broadcast elements giving you the best seat in the house.

Each of these cutscenes immerse you deeper into the emotion, letting you feel the highs and lows of management beyond the touchline.

New Stadium Environments

In previous editions of Football Manager, stadiums often felt quite similar. With major improvements to how they’re created, FM26 makes each ground feel more distinct.

From lower-league terraces to elite global arenas, every stadium now has more personality in and out of the ground. You’ve got more definition and variation of stands, and far greater visual fidelity, depth and realism to the surrounding locations.

The crowds within the stadiums are much improved too. They don’t just look better but they act and sound better too. The roar of the fans builds with pressure, surges with goals, and adds genuine tension to the matchday. It’s the closest FM has ever come to putting you inside the stadium.

Improved Camera Angles, Improved Perspectives

Once the matches get underway, you’ll notice significant improvements that elevate the entire match day presentation.

There are default camera angles that offer something for every type of manager. If you’re focused on tactical battles, the Tactical View provides a high vantage point that allows you to analyse your formation and spot subtle shifts.

Alternatively, if you wanted a ground-level perspective that adjusts depending on where the action is unfolding, then Dynamic Sideline is perfect for you.

FM26 also brings a bunch of fantastic new angles. These are particularly notable for Set-Pieces, with new, unique perspectives for Corners and Free-Kicks ensuring you don’t miss a single detail when your work on the training ground becomes reality.

These angles also elevate replays. Now, the game chooses the best type of angle to show you based on the type of goal you scored, meaning you’ll get a fantastic view however your team’s strikes hit the back of the net.

Dynamic Highlight Mode

Whichever camera setting you choose, the best way to experience the action in FM26 is Dynamic Mode.

The mode reacts to the intensity and importance of your games, showing more highlights when the action heats up and fewer when you’re cruising to victory. Every moment feels tuned to the drama unfolding on the pitch.

This keeps every match engaging and perfectly tuned to the intensity of your story.

The New 2D Overview

FM26 introduces a 2D overview tile in the in-between highlights screen. This allows you to monitor player positions, tactical shapes, and game flow at a glance. It’s the perfect blend of old-school FM detail and modern immersive presentation.

What makes this feature even more powerful is its interactive functionality. Spot something interesting in the 2D Overview? Just click it, and the game instantly takes you to the matching highlight.

Smarter Staff Advice

In FM26, your backroom team has never been more valuable.

Staff advice during matches has been completely overhauled, providing more in-depth, context-specific insights as the action unfolds. From tactical tweaks to player performance observations, your assistant will now deliver clearer, more detailed feedback to help you make better decisions in the heat of the moment.

Whether it’s identifying a vulnerable opposition full-back or suggesting a change in mentality, your staff are more proactive and precise, giving you the edge in your pursuit of glory.

FM26 allows you to truly live the match day drama. With richer stadium environments, smarter highlights, new cut scenes, or cameras that put you right where you want to be, it’s never felt closer to the real thing.

Whether you’re battling relegation or chasing continental glory, one thing’s certain: FM26 makes every match matter.