Football Manager 26 has received a new update, with version 26.1.3 now available across Steam, Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store, as well as on FM26 Console.
The update reintroduces Pass Maps — both during matches and within the Data Hub — alongside a broad set of Match Engine refinements, UI improvements, and crash fixes, including a resolution for a Hotseat mode-related issue. Console players will receive all applicable improvements from the PC and Mac changelist.
Sports Interactive has also confirmed that January transfer window updates will be included in the next major update schedule for early March, while FM26 Mobile and FM26 Touch updates are also planned for March.
Below is the “non-exhaustive” changelist for FM26 update 26.1.3. If you wish to see the source, check it out here.
Football Manager 26 Update 26.1.3 – Patch Notes
Technical Issues
- Various crash and stability fixes
- Fixed a crash in Hotseat Mode after completing the first match of the day
- Fixed a crash on the Tactics screen when rapidly switching between In and Out of Possession views
- Fixed a black screen appearing when entering the second match as a Hotseat manager
Match Engine
(Changes include but are not limited to)
- Reduced the frequency of rain across all leagues
- Improved defensive behavior against strikerless formations
- Adjusted how often AI managers make substitutions
- Improved player reactions to shots hitting the post
- Improved short goal kick decision-making
- Improved wide player pressing logic
- Improved midfielder marking decisions during pressing phases
- Improved tracking of runs made from deep
- Improved dribbling logic to allow 180-degree turns when appropriate
- Improved team shape response to the “Trap Inside” instruction on opposition goal kicks
- Fixed wide midfielders sitting too deep in high-press 4-4-2 out-of-possession systems
- Channel Midfielder (CM) now correctly rotates into the AM strata after build-up
- Players can now control the ball with their head in specific situations
- Wide AMs now maintain width more effectively out of possession
- Multiple players can now be selected to display names using Ctrl/Alt + Left Click
- Fixed VAR captions appearing over goal replays
- Fixed league trophy celebrations not triggering in certain leagues
- Various animation fixes
- Improved visual quality of 2D Discs in 2D Classic View
User Interface (UI)
- Added Pass Maps to:
- Data Hub → Last Match
- Match UI (Formation carousel, Half-Time and Full-Time reports)
- Dugout advice
- Added icons to shout instructions in the Shouts dropdown
- Added live scores and league tables to the in-highlights Stats tile
- Improved Club League History graph
- Fixed Dugout events reporting goals before they occurred
- User’s team is now clearly labelled in Data Hub visuals
- Fixed striker shirt cutoff in Match Day Tactics tile
- Player names no longer appear on the subs bench after being subbed off
- Fixed substitution order display issues
- Penalty goals now appear in Post-Match News
- Fixed empty Past Winners cards in certain competitions
- Added formations tile to Past Match reports
- Added scrollbar to Tactical Styles on Training Schedules
- Added injury carousel for U21 and U18 squads in Medical Centre
- Fixed incorrect Out of Possession role tiles
- Fixed low-resolution images on Set Pieces screen
- Clean Slate in Tactics Creator now correctly loads the full “All” tab
- B-Team ability and potential now display correctly
- Fixed squad bar issues caused by ‘Grey’ players
- Fixed rare issue preventing match entry after Clear Squad or Quick Pick
- Happiness hierarchy column now sorts correctly
- Players out on loan can no longer be selected as vice-captain
Gameplay
- Fixed B-Team staff not joining clubs after recruitment
- Fixed transfers not appearing in Transfer History
- Staff search now shows comparable ratings
- Fixed board reactions to objectives completed before user arrival
- Agents no longer suggest contradictory contract actions
- Young players with Training Targets no longer become unhappy after loans
- Scouted players now appear in Squad Comparison
- Reduced repeated lowball offers from Saudi clubs
- Improved speed of managerial appointments
- Fixed incorrect competition references in Match Meetings
- Adjusted squad sizes for UAE clubs
- Advice button no longer appears when unemployed
- MLS squad selection via Ask Assistant now respects salary caps
- Transfer History now distinguishes starts vs substitute appearances
- Coaching course confirmations are now messaged properly
- Manual coach assignment for Reserve and Youth teams enabled
- Media speculation fees no longer display placeholder values
- News now references previous club stints for returning players
- Player biographies corrected
- Transfer Status correctly disabled for non-contract players
- Intermediary-negotiated fees now display correctly
- Press conference summaries now appear when responsibilities are delegated
- Women’s Football news classification issues resolved
- Adjusted injury frequency at AI-controlled women’s clubs
- Removed relegation clauses from NWSL sponsorships
- Adjusted wage demands in Australia’s women’s league
In-Game Editor (IGE)
- Editor icon now correctly appears on First Team card
- Editing finances no longer alters in-game currency
- Nation info now visible when moving players
- Hidden attributes now color-coded correctly
- Multiple club affiliations can be added to players
- “Move to My Club” now appears for all unemployed staff
- Added confirmation prompts for role conflicts
- Fixed “Become Unsackable” appearing during multi-player selection
