Fix Football Manager 26 Network / Online Multiplayer Error on PC (2025 Guide)

If Football Manager 26 keeps showing a network error, failed to connect to server, or multiplayer session unavailable, you’re not alone. Many players have experienced issues when trying to connect to online career modes or cloud saves.

These problems often stem from unstable internet connections, firewall restrictions, or server-side interruptions. However, most of the time, they can be fixed with a few quick adjustments on your PC.

In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step solutions to fix Football Manager 26’s network and multiplayer connection errors, so you can get back to managing your club online.

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⚙️ Common Causes of Network Errors

Before applying fixes, let’s look at what commonly causes Football Manager 26’s online issues:

• Unstable or slow internet connection
• Steam / Epic client not connected properly
• Windows Firewall or antivirus blocking the game
• Outdated network drivers
• DNS or IP misconfiguration
• Temporary Football Manager server outages

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✅ Fix 1: Check Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection can trigger connection drops or syncing failures.

Steps:

1. Restart your router and modem.
2. Prefer a wired Ethernet connection over Wi-Fi.
3. Test your speed on speedtest.net.
4. If speeds are below 5 Mbps, contact your ISP for troubleshooting.

✅ Result: Ensures a stable and fast internet connection for multiplayer sessions.

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🔒 Fix 2: Allow Football Manager 26 Through Firewall

Windows Firewall can sometimes block the game’s network access.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type control firewall.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Click Change settings → Allow another app.
4. Browse and select the FootballManager26.exe file.
5. Check both Private and Public network boxes → Click OK.

✅ Result: Grants the game unrestricted access to the internet.

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🧩 Fix 3: Disable Antivirus or Add an Exception

Third-party antivirus software may mistakenly flag Football Manager’s online services as unsafe.

Steps:

1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Navigate to Exclusions or Exceptions.
3. Add the Football Manager 26 installation folder (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Football Manager 26 ).
4. Restart your PC and relaunch the game.

✅ Result: Prevents antivirus from interfering with online connections.

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🌐 Fix 4: Reset DNS and IP Configuration

Corrupted DNS or IP settings can block your connection to the Football Manager servers.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Terminal (Admin).
2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each: ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew netsh winsock reset
3. Restart your PC afterward.

✅ Result: Resets your network stack and clears any cached errors.

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💻 Fix 5: Update Network Drivers

Outdated or missing network drivers can cause instability during online play.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your Ethernet or Wi-Fi driver → Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
5. Alternatively, download the latest driver from your manufacturer’s website.

✅ Result: Ensures reliable and optimized connectivity.

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🔧 Fix 6: Verify Game Files

Sometimes missing or damaged files cause connection failures.

Steps (Steam):

1. Open Steam → Library.
2. Right-click Football Manager 26 → Properties → Installed Files.
3. Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.

Steps (Epic Games):

1. Open Epic Games Launcher → Library.
2. Click the three dots (…) beside Football Manager 26 → Manage → Verify.

✅ Result: Replaces corrupted or missing network-related files.

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🌍 Fix 7: Use Google DNS

Switching to a public DNS often improves connection reliability.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your active network → Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses: Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
5. Click OK and restart your PC.

✅ Result: Provides faster and more stable DNS resolution for connecting to game servers.

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🔁 Fix 8: Reinstall Football Manager 26 (Last Resort)

If all else fails, reinstalling the game can fix deeply corrupted network configuration files.

Steps:

1. Uninstall the game from Steam or Epic.
2. Delete leftover folders from: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Football Manager 26
3. Reinstall on an SSD for better load times.

✅ Result: Provides a clean network configuration and removes all broken files.

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💡 Additional Tips

• Ensure Steam/Epic Games Launcher is online and updated.
• Avoid VPNs or proxies while playing.
• Temporarily disable background downloads.
• Restart your router every few days for consistent performance.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: Why does Football Manager 26 keep saying “Network Error”?
A: Usually caused by poor internet connection, blocked firewall access, or temporary server downtime.

Q2: Can I play multiplayer without Steam or Epic online services?
A: No. You must be connected to their servers for cloud saves or online careers.

Q3: Will using Google DNS improve performance?
A: Yes, it can reduce latency and improve connection stability.

Q4: What if the servers are down?
A: Check the official Football Manager or Sports Interactive server status on their support or social media pages.

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🎯 Conclusion

Network errors in Football Manager 26 can be frustrating, but they’re usually easy to fix. By checking your connection, updating drivers, allowing the game through your firewall, and resetting DNS, you can quickly restore online play.

Once everything’s configured correctly, you’ll enjoy smooth and uninterrupted multiplayer sessions with your friends or rivals worldwide.