Youth Development: Room to Grow

The youth system in FC 25 is functional but uninspiring. Career Mode needs to FC 26 Coins embrace the magic of uncovering the next generational star. Detailed youth reports, development programs, and under-21 leagues should all be part of FC 26. The current iteration relies on vague potential ratings and lacks narrative. EA could even introduce a youth academy ranking system where facilities and coaching impact development trajectories.

Staff Management Must Be Real Management

Hiring a few positional coaches isn’t enough anymore. In FM, the backroom staff plays a pivotal role in a club’s success. FC 26 should allow managers to recruit assistant managers, analysts, medics, and even talent scouts—each with their own attributes and specialties. Coaches could improve over time or be poached by rivals. These elements would deepen strategic planning and make Career Mode more alive.

Set Pieces Deserve Real Strategy

Currently, set pieces in FC 25 are overly simplistic and barely customizable. In FC 26, managers should be able to design corner routines, dictate free-kick placement strategies, and experiment with creative plays. Custom set-piece creators, similar to FM 24, would be a welcome addition and could add a tactical edge to gameplay that rewards attention to detail.

Advanced Tactics: The Missing Puzzle Piece

Finally, tactical depth needs to be dramatically improved. In FM, managers can define team shape, press height, tempo, and positional fluidity. FC 25, by contrast, offers only a surface-level system. FC 26 must allow managers to tweak individual roles, establish pressing triggers, and adjust in-game strategy dynamically. Tactics should be tailored to player strengths and match situations.

The Time is Now

Football Manager 25’s cancellation has left a massive gap—and the community is looking for a new home. EA Sports FC 26 has a unique chance to fill that void by making Career Mode a genuine management simulation, not just an afterthought to Ultimate Team. With more robust features, immersive mechanics, and smart design, Career Mode could finally become the crown jewel it was always meant to be.

How FC 26 Can Become the Ultimate Football Management Game After FM 25’s Exit

The cancellation of Football Manager 25 has left a noticeable gap in the football management genre. For years, Football Manager has set the gold standard for tactical depth, realism, and control. With its absence, EA Sports has a unique chance to evolve its Career Mode in FC 26 into a serious football management alternative. However, doing so will require more than minor tweaks—it will require a reimagining of buy EAFC 26 Coins how EA approaches simulation and authenticity.