Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Can Play FM26 for Free, Easy to Sign up

Xbox Game Pass subscribers, you can now play Football Manager 26 for free.

As fans will know, the latest instalment of the footie franchise launched today (Tuesday, November 4), and can be pre-ordered now via Loaded, The Game Collective, and Green Man Gaming.

A long time in the making, the 2026 title sees gamers step into a football manager's shoes, as you'll handle transfers, manage the team's finances, and train players.

In the words of Football Manager, you'll be placed at the 'heart of the beautiful game'.

Eagle-eyed gamers have spotted how to play the game for free, too.

From the long-awaited release date to reviews and how to play for free, find out everything you need to know about FM26 below.

How to play Football Manager 26 for free with Xbox Game Pass

It has been confirmed that Xbox Game Pass owners will be able to play Football Manager 26 for free, as soon as it drops.

With a monthly subscription, Game Pass holders will gain access to a huge range of new titles, without having to fork out each time.

If you're subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, then you'll have access to Football Manager 26 from day one.

Sadly, the title won't be available on Game Pass Premium or Game Pass Essential, you will need to upgrade to play the game on release - or buy FM26 outright.

You can find out how to buy the game for half price here.

Where to buy Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now

At the time of writing, a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription on Loaded has been reduced from £44.99 to £31.99.

For those of you in it for the long run, you can buy a six-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription via Loaded for £61.99 (reduced from £99.99).

If you have a new Xbox Live account, you can even snag a one-month free trial here.

Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play the game for free (Football Manager)

What's new about Football Manager 26?

Football Manager 25 was cancelled, so a lot rides on the latest instalment. Powered by the Unity engine, the 2026 edition boasts shiny new UI tools and enhanced graphic fidelity for better gameplay and user experience. From tactical innovation to greater on-pitch detail, discover its top features below.

New features:

• Inclusion of women's football
• Tactical innovation
• Enhanced player movement
• Greater on-pitch detail
• Reimagined user interface
• New transfer room tools

When is Football Manager 26 released?

Football Manager 26 landed today, Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Nintendo Switch players, the game will launch on the device a month later on December 4.

Additionally, the title will be launched on Nintendo Switch digitally a month later, on Thursday, December 4.

The new game will be playable across PC, PS5, Xbox Series S|S, Nintendo Switch, and tablet devices. See you on the pitch?