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Getting started with FM26? Here are the must-know basics, install info, and fixes for common problems*.
*This is a work-in-progress article and will be updated over time as new issues and solutions are found
> Windows only
Crashing on Career Start Up
If your game is crashing when you are trying to start a career:
- Head to Windows Security, navigate to Virus & threat protection settings
- Click on Ransomware Protection (located on the bottom)
- From there go to “Allow an app through Controlled folder access
- Click on Add permitted app
- Locate the fm.exe (which is usually located in your Steam folder: C:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Football Manager 26)
> Mac only
Graphics Folder Location
If your custom graphics (logos, facepacks, etc.) aren’t showing up in FM26, you’ve probably got them in the wrong folder.
By default, FM26 uses a this graphics folder location:
'/Users/USERNAME/Library/Application Support/Sports Interactive/Football Manager 26/graphics'
> General
Licensing Issues - Fake Names
Due to licensing restrictions, some clubs and national teams don’t appear with their real names. You’ll notice this most clearly with the Germany national team, which uses fake players, as well as several Italian teams and other clubs missing their official names. To fix this, you need to download and apply our Real Name Fix.
Clear Graphics Cache
There is currently no option under Preferences to manually clear the graphics cache. If your graphics aren’t updating properly, the workaround is to quit the game completely and start it again.
Changing Game Content Folder
For your convenience, you might want to change your default Football Manager 2026 folder: the location where all FM-related files such as editor data, tactics, graphics, and saves are stored:
- You need to create a specific folder for FM files with whatever name you want in the pretended destination
- Open Steam and head to FM26
- Click in ⚙️ Manage and select Properties
- Under Launch Option set your folder location so the game can treat it as a game folder (--user_data_location="YOUR FOLDER PATH")
- Date Created
- 24 Oct 2025 14:41:20
- Date Updated
- 24 Oct 2025 22:29:55
- Last Comment
- 29 Nov 2025 22:44:28
Comments
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p_baines1
Hi , in fm26 where has the option to PRINT gone? I.e. if I wanted to print out my squad? Many thanks
James Courie
Could someone give me some instructions on how to download a tactic into my game in the FM26 beta on Mac? I don't seem to have the same folder locations as the one for the graphics listed above.
edgardavids8
Your saved tactics are stored in the same place as the graphics folder. If you don’t see a “tactics” folder there, don’t worry, it only appears after you save a tactic in-game. Alternatively, you can create the “tactics” folder yourself manually in that directory.
Gary7081
I cannot find the folders in the order for the Real Name Fix. Is ok up until content and that folder is empty.
BullBarry
How to find the calendar and matches of the second and youth team?
adam_trenter
Can someone help me out for some reason when I download logos for FM26 I'm missing Real Madrid does anyone know why.
Bielsa is a legend
there is a whole thread on it, wait until full game is out
Bielsa is a legend
after playing 1 game im reverting back to FM24 until they sort the mess out, the much heralded 3d graphics are very average
all the customisation has gone, there is no substitute button, only way i could find was to go into tactics and drag players
so much wrong with this, it looks more like the mobile version on a grown up PC-so very sad
imagine how bad FM 25 would have been!!
edgardavids8
edgardavids8
Club > Club Site > Fixture Schedule > Click on each 🟣
rristola
I had the same. Some logos etc. were fine, some not.
You have to check this - there is a folder called ‘graphics’ INSIDE ‘sortitoutsi SS kits megapack’ folder.
So, clean all those unnecessary folder levels away.
bs112
I'm facing the same situation and root cause for the issue seems to be:
Problems between FMG Standard Logos Pack and the Cutout Megapack.
I implemented first FMG Logos Pack and all Logos were existing and looking fine, also Real Madrid for example.
After installing the Cutout Faces Megapack several Logos disappeared, also Real Madrid.
Anybody please help how this can be fixed.
eliasb0919
Hey guys
I download all the 3D English Premier League kits, but when I add them to the game (graphics folder on MAC, it doesn’t work, the kits just don’t show up.
Anyone else having this issue or know how to fix it?
rristola
Do you mean in normal use or the Match Engine?
In normal use, like when searching info on a team, game uses 2D kits. Like a shirt in a hanger.
When an actual game is played (= Match Engine), then 3D kits are used. Shirt, shorts and socks.
Both kinds of kits you can find here https://sortitoutsi.net/graphics/kits
rristola
I found that in both folders ‘faces’ and ‘iconfaces’ there - most likely - is one line in their config files, that is causing this.
Near the end there is a line
<record from="desktop" to="graphics/pictures/person/0/portrait"/>
or something like that.
BTW. There is a lot of teams with vanilla logos, because FM uses own logos for womens' teams.
LukeAnthony906
Snagging Issues for me, hopefully someone can put my mind at rest.
adam_trenter
I already started a new save when I installed the logos… what difference would the folders being alphabetically make to the missing logos.
surely I have missed something and something just needs to be deleted to fix it.
chen12
its still do to defult folder even i change it
Bielsa is a legend
all is a major step backwards-SI just dont listen / or care
bartdude
FM26 is SO disappointing. It's taken 2 years to get it done and they've ended up bowing down to the lowest common denominator. FM was never designed as a console game, yet that's exactly what they've turned it into. The UI is a mess, there's no continuity, too much screen switching, so no flow and no option to watch entire league highlights, something that is crucial to my match day experience. The 3D match engine is nothing special either. FM24 with the FM Tweak match engine + audio commentary makes for a much more immersive experience. Si have truly screwed up and produced something that has ultimately alienated the very core and loyal FM family, going back generations. I'm gutted they missed a golden opportunity to advance something we previously loved. Major revisions are needed but until if or when that happens, I'm staying with FM24. I'm eager to read feedback from others.
Bielsa is a legend
So true my friend, such a disappointment.
i cant see how SI can recover from this
sticking with my near perfect 24
LudoxPendragon
Same
jamie ba
We are going to be stuck with this new Fm because so many content creators are worried about losing their alpha access or free copies to give away. That’s why hardly anyone is speaking up about how disappointing this year’s Football Manager really is.
Football Manager has always been about data — spreadsheets, stats, and analysis. You can lose hours diving into player attributes, scouting reports, and heat maps, and that’s exactly what makes the game special. That’s what makes Football Manager, Football Manager.
Sure, the UI could’ve evolved a bit, but SI should have made two versions:
• One for console and tablet players (like the new FM26)
• And one for PC players, keeping last year’s interface but adding the new match engine and improvements
PC players have always been the hardcore fans — the foundation of the series since the old Championship Manager days. SI seems more focused on chasing the broader market now, and I get it — money talks. But even if we’re a smaller group, that “small percentage” still represents millions of loyal players. We’re the ones who bought the game every year and helped it become what it is today.
Yet not a single big content creator with a platform seems willing to call it out. Surely, they can’t all think this version is great? It’s disappointing.
I’ve actually uninstalled FM26, got a refund, and reinstalled FM24 instead.
It’s a shame, because I’ve been playing Football Manager since the Championship Manager era.
Here is a list of things taken out of the game.
User interface and data
"Personality" and "media description" columns on player screens are gone.
Customization options for the fixture screen have been removed.
Scatter graphs in the Data Hub no longer display numbers.
Players are no longer highlighted differently in certain lists.
The "i" icon to quickly inspect attributes and the heart hover to inspect fitness are removed.
Individual training suggestions from staff are no longer shown.
Ability to save line-ups is gone.
The Development Centre has been removed.
Match and tactics
Heatmaps are no longer available.
The data chalkboard has been removed.
Players' attributes cannot be seen on the tactic screen during a match.
The ability to customize which match events trigger replays is gone.
Pass maps and touchline shouts have been removed.
Management and training
The ability to appoint captains outside of the vice-captain is gone.
Copying and pasting training calendars is no longer possible.
Drag-and-drop training sessions in the calendar is disabled.
Youth/reserve team tactical and starting eleven selection is removed.
U21/U18 training schedules and coach assignments are gone.
Individual training sessions can no longer be ended.
Director of Football transfer recommendations have been removed.
The ability to scout clubs by attending their matches yourself is gone.
The "deadline day" event has been removed.
Game modes
Create-a-Club, Versus Mode, and Challenge Mode have been removed.
Fantasy Draft is no longer a game mode.
National team U21 and U19 access has been severely limited.
tommov2
agreed the ui is awfull trying to find anything is difficult unless you use the search bar. the game engine is an improvement but then at the same time is not as good as it was hyped up to be. would have prefered to keep the old style if the ui was better. searching for staff now is terrible too. have managed to get most of my logos to work but there are to many conflicts that should have been sorted before even beta release and i cant see them being sorted when its the full release. for me at the minute not impressed with fm 26 at all. will be sticking with 24 for now, if not some massive improvement 26 my be my last purchace of football manager
Antonio Maria Aguilar
Can anyone help me on the crash everytime I try and start a carrer but on MAC? Thanks
Moorsey1878martin moore
i totally agree this version absolute shite
Chad1980
Running FM26 on a MAC with real name fix, Facepacks, kits and logos. Started a save yesterday, but every time a hot- fix is released the game becomes corrupt and won't launch, I then have to uninstall, remove everything from root and reinstall, losing everything and going back to the beginning.
More hot fixes are due tomorrow and probably Friday/Monday - unless anyone can help with a fix - will likely wait until Tuesday before I start again and reload the real name fix, Facepacks ETC…
JamieTC
How come the trophy's graphics pack doesn't work in FM26
DWCallaghan
Click on the player you want to sub off on the bar at the bottom, sub option is there
Joe Avalon
Do I have to put the two commas " before and after my folder path in the game preferences to change game folder location? Thank you