Football Manager 26 just became a lot more accessible. After initially being limited to higher-tier subscribers, both the main game and its console version are now officially available on Xbox Game Pass Premium.
The game has also improved a ton since release. The game was awful on launch and a lot of FM fans just didn’t bother spending on it, or getting the Game Pass Ultimate. With the game in a much better state now, and availbale on Game Pass Premium, it’s the perfect time to jump in.
For fans of the long-running management sim, this is pretty good news. The game is now more accessible than ever before.
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FM26 Expands Beyond Ultimate And PC Game Pass
As of April 13, 2026, Football Manager 26 and Football Manager 26 Console have been added to the Xbox Game Pass Premium tier.
Before this update, the game was only available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, despite launching as a day-one title on the service back in November 2025.
This change effectively removes that restriction, opening the door for a wider group of subscribers to access one of the most detailed football management experiences available.
Both versions are included in the Premium tier. The standard PC version is designed for traditional desktop play, while the console edition is optimized for controllers and supports play across console, PC, and cloud.
A Bigger April For Game Pass
The addition of Football Manager 26 to the Premium tier is part of a broader push by Xbox to strengthen its April 2026 lineup. The month has already seen a mix of major releases and genre variety, with FM26 standing out as a key sports simulation title.
For Xbox Game Pass users, this move feels like a win. Expanding access to FM26 lowers the barrier for newcomers while giving returning players another reason to dive back in.
Whether you are chasing promotion, rebuilding a fallen giant, or just experimenting with tactics, there are now fewer hurdles to getting started. So, start making your perfect team, scouting talent and using that to hunt for Champions League glory.
Published: Apr 14, 2026 02:30 pm