Football Manager 26 Beta Release Date Is Almost Here

Fans of Football Manager 26 can rejoice because the Beta, officially called the Advanced Access, is knocking at the door. This allows players to manage their teams prior to the full release in the form of a fully playable pre-release.

Before the game's full release, players can test strategies, try out new features, and have early access to start assembling their teams. The loyal fans now have a fantastic chance to be first to adopt the new features and be ahead of the curve. But the main question is, when?

When is Football Manager 26 Beta Release Date?

The FM26 Beta - which is actually called Advanced Access - is expected to kick off approximately two weeks before the full launch of the game. As Football Manager 26 is scheduled for official launch on November 4, 2025, we can expect early access to begin on or around October 21.

Advanced Access is a directive that allows fans to fully play a pre-release version of the game. Not only does it give the players a great head start, it also comes with a great opportunity for the developers to fix whatever needs to be fixed, according to the feedback of the early access testers. It's often referred to as Beta, but it's less of a beta version of a pre-release and more of an early unlock.

How to Get Football Manager 26 Early Access

If you pre-purchase Football Manager 26 from any of the participating stores, which can be found on their website, you will be able to play early through a programme called Advanced Access. As well as the chance to play the game ahead of time, players also gain bonus rewards.

Miles Jacobson, the studio director at Sports Interactive, has said Advanced Access will drop when it is ready, but no later than October 21. Typically, FM early access releases are around 14-20 days before full launch, so this is also consistent with previous releases. This new release comes after the much-discussed Why Football Manager 25 Was Cancelled?, where Sports Interactive explained major shifts in development that paved the way for a smoother transition into FM26’s upgraded systems and cross-platform plans.

What to Expect from Football Manager 26 Beta

The Advanced Access version is completely playable, allowing you to take charge of your favorite teams, try out new features, and check out changes to tactics and transfers. Although it is not a finished product, it will surely feel and play just like the final version does on launch day.

Players should be aware that any progress made in Advanced Access typically carries over to the full game, giving early managers a tiny bit of a head start.

Overall, the Football Manager 26 Beta is going to be a great start for you to build your dream squad, way before anyone else!