If Football Manager 26 shows the dreaded message “Couldn’t load the database” when you launch the game or try to start a new career, don’t panic — this is a common issue among FM players.
This error usually appears when the game cannot read or locate its required database files, often due to corrupted data, mod conflicts, or incomplete updates. The good news is that you can easily fix it and get back to managing your favorite club.
⚙️ Common Causes of the “Couldn’t Load the Database” Error
Before applying the fixes, here’s what typically causes the problem:
- Corrupted or missing database files after an update
- Outdated or incompatible custom databases or mods
- Game not updated properly in Steam or Epic
- Damaged cache or preferences folders
- File permission issues in Documents folder
- Antivirus or cloud sync (OneDrive/Dropbox) interference
🧩 Fix 1: Verify Integrity of Game Files
Corrupted or missing files are the most frequent reason behind this error.
Steps (Steam):
- Open Steam → Library.
- Right-click Football Manager 26 → Properties → Installed Files.
- Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Steps (Epic Games):
- Go to Library → Football Manager 26.
- Click the three dots (…) → Manage → Verify Files.
✅ Result: Steam or Epic will repair or replace damaged files, restoring the default database.
🧠 Fix 2: Delete Cache and Preferences
FM stores temporary files that can get corrupted after patches or mod installations.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type the following, and hit Enter:
%AppData%\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 26 - Delete the folders named Cache and Preferences.
- Restart the game.
✅ Result: Forces FM26 to rebuild clean configuration and database cache files.
💾 Fix 3: Remove or Disable Custom Databases and Mods
If you’ve added community-made databases, leagues, or transfer updates, they might not be compatible with the current game version.
Steps:
- Navigate to your Documents folder:
Documents\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 26\editor data - Move all custom files (.fmf, .xml) out of the folder temporarily.
- Relaunch the game and start a new save.
✅ Result: Confirms whether the issue is due to mod or database conflicts.
🔧 Fix 4: Ensure the Game and Editor Are Updated
Sometimes the official database update doesn’t sync properly with the game.
Steps:
- Open Steam → Library → Football Manager 26.
- Click Update if available.
- If you use the FM Editor, update or reinstall it from Steam Tools.
- Restart your PC after updates finish.
✅ Result: Keeps both the game and editor aligned with the latest database version.
🪄 Fix 5: Run as Administrator
Permission issues in your Documents folder can prevent FM from reading the database correctly.
Steps:
- Right-click Football Manager 26.exe (or desktop shortcut).
- Select Properties → Compatibility.
- Check Run this program as an administrator.
- Apply and launch again.
✅ Result: Grants full file access to the game, resolving read/write database errors.
🧭 Fix 6: Disable OneDrive / Cloud Sync for Documents
If OneDrive or Dropbox syncs your Sports Interactive folder, it can lock database files.
Steps:
- Right-click the OneDrive icon → Settings → Sync and Backup.
- Pause or stop sync for the Documents folder.
- Relaunch the game.
✅ Result: Prevents database corruption due to syncing or file version conflicts.
⚡ Fix 7: Reinstall Football Manager 26 (Last Resort)
If nothing works, a clean reinstall may fix deep file corruption.
Steps:
- Backup your save files from:
Documents\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 26\games - Uninstall FM26 from Steam or Epic.
- Delete leftover files in:
Documents\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 26 - Reinstall the game fresh.
✅ Result: Restores the full, original database and removes all damaged configurations.
💡 Additional Tips
- Always use the official database when starting a new career after patches.
- Keep mods updated to match your current game version.
- Avoid using beta databases or early-access files from the editor.
- Back up saves before applying custom data or updates.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Why does Football Manager 26 say “Couldn’t load the database” after an update?
A: The latest patch may have changed database structure, making older mods or saves incompatible.
Q2: Can I fix this without reinstalling?
A: Yes — deleting cache, verifying files, or removing custom databases often resolves it.
Q3: Will removing mods delete my saves?
A: No, your save files are stored separately. Just ensure you re-enable compatible mods later.
Q4: How do I prevent this from happening again?
A: Avoid editing the default database, and don’t use outdated editor data after game updates.
🎯 Conclusion
The “Couldn’t Load the Database” error in Football Manager 26 can be annoying, but it’s easily fixable. By verifying files, clearing cache, disabling mods, and ensuring proper updates, you can restore the default database and get back into the game quickly.
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have Football Manager 26 running smoothly again — ready to lead your club to victory!
