In Possession, Out of Possession: FM26’s New Tactical Evolution

In recent years, the language of football tactics has evolved dramatically. Managers, pundits and fans alike now dive deeper into analysis, with sharper insight into complex ideas like pressing triggers and rest defence. One concept that’s rapidly entered the mainstream is the distinction between in possession and out of possession formations - the way a team changes shape based on whether they have the ball or not.

As the game itself has evolved, so has Football Manager. Behind the scenes, we’ve spent years working with leading experts in the football industry to bring one of the sport’s biggest tactical developments into FM – distinct formations for when your team are in possession and out of possession.

When we originally announced player roles being added in FM, this was done to provide instructions for players in a formation both when they had the ball and when they didn’t – and while this system worked well for that, what it didn’t do was allow managers in-game to have different formations for those scenarios.

Now, we’re thrilled to announce that one of the most requested features from our community is being added to FM26 - separate In Possession and Out of Possession formations. These are just part of this year’s major innovation in tactics, giving you greater depth, flexibility and freedom than ever before in setting up your team.

To read more, head to our website.