Football Manager 26 Gets FIFA License and Official World Cup Mode
After years of fan requests, Football Manager 26 is finally going official. Sports Interactive has signed a deal with FIFA that brings real tournaments, kits, and branding to the next game in the series.
FIFA Deal Details
The multi-year partnership adds the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup to Football Manager for the first time. The agreement kicks off with Football Manager 26, featuring the full FIFA World Cup 26, complete with all 48 licensed national teams once confirmed.
The update also includes official tournament presentation, from broadcast visuals to authentic on-screen graphics. It’s the biggest licensing move the series has made since the Premier League deal earlier this year.
Release Date and Versions
Football Manager 26 launches November 4, 2025. The main PC edition drops on Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store, with day-one Game Pass access.
Console players get Football Manager 26 Console on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One that same day, while the Switch version arrives December 4. Touch releases on Apple Arcade, and the Netflix-exclusive Mobile edition continues to serve handheld players.
The New International Management Module
International management won’t be playable at launch. Instead, Sports Interactive confirmed it will arrive as a free content update in 2026 before the real-life FIFA World Cup begins.
This update revamps how national teams function, with realistic call-ups, scouting networks, and tournament-specific strategies. It replaces the outdated system from older Football Manager games and ties directly into the new Unity engine.
Engine Upgrade and New Additions
Football Manager 26 marks the series’ full switch to Unity, boosting match visuals and player animation. The studio also confirmed women’s football will be playable for the first time, expanding both scouting depth and long-term career options.
The development team scrapped Football Manager 25 earlier this year to focus resources on this version, which explains the huge jump in presentation quality.
Final Blurb
Football Manager 26 finally plays on FIFA’s field. The deal gives the game official World Cup tournaments, real national kits, and the tools to manage your country like never before. For long-time fans, it’s the closest thing to leading your nation to real football glory without actually getting fired on live TV.
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