In a significant reversal, developers Sports Interactive have confirmed that a major feature controversially removed from Football Manager 26 will be making a comeback. The studio has laid out its post-launch roadmap, headlined by the return of international team management following considerable fan disappointment.
Roadmap Reveals Feature U-Turn and Future Plans
The announcement was made via an official forum post from the Sports Interactive community team. It outlined the development schedule for FM26, which had a challenging launch after its release in November. The most notable commitment is the reintroduction of the ability to manage national teams, a staple of the franchise that was axed for this year's edition.
The feature is slated to return in a complimentary update scheduled for after the World Cup qualifiers conclude in March 2026. While the exact implementation is still under wraps, it is widely speculated that players will be able to take charge of one of the 48 nations qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Ongoing Fixes and New Modes Teased
The roadmap details more than just the international management comeback. Sports Interactive has pledged to continue its work on improving the game's much-criticised user interface and navigation, building on fixes already made to half-time and post-match screens in a recent PC/Mac update.
The studio plans to resume regular updates in mid-January, with releases expected every two to three weeks. These will include the customary winter transfer updates in February and March, alongside tweaks to media interactions and new features designed to boost immersion, such as the imminent addition of pass maps.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the forum post hinted at additional game modes coming in 2026. While details were not disclosed, the developers promised a separate announcement soon, signalling ongoing investment in the game's evolution.
A Response to Community Backlash
The decision to remove international management before FM26's launch sparked a notable backlash from the game's dedicated community. Sports Interactive's latest communication directly addresses these concerns, stating the team is "committed to listening and responding" to feedback.
The post acknowledged that persistent issues remain for some players but assured fans that all comments and suggestions are being examined. "Everyone at SI is working tirelessly to deliver the improvements needed to enhance your experience further," the statement concluded, thanking players for their support in shaping the game's future.
