In a ground-shattering move that has left the football world shaking its head in wonder (or perhaps dismay), the illustrious developers of that iconic simulation—Sports Interactive—have managed to ink a marriage of sorts with none other than FIFA itself. Who saw that one coming? Perhaps everyone, but let’s not dwell on the obvious.
The Big Announcement
This newly minted partnership promises to tango its way into the hearts of gamers everywhere by ushering official FIFA competitions into the shimmering realm of the game. Yes, that includes the glittering FIFA World Cup, the fabulous FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the all-important FIFA Club World Cup. Because why just manage a club when you can pretend to manage countries too?
Football Manager 26: The Release Date
Mark the calendars—November 4 is the day when players can once again don their managerial hats (and maybe a tracksuit, if that’s the vibe). But here’s a delightful twist: this iteration won’t feature hairy international football management (unless, of course, it’s the mobile version floating around on a certain streaming platform). Instead, it’s going to charm audiences with a laser focus on good old club management.
The World Cup in Numbers
Now, let’s get to the juicy bits. Yes, Football Manager 26 will boast the FIFA World Cup 26, complete with dazzling official kits of all 48 teams, once they’ve undergone several rounds of committee voting to determine if they’ve passed the aesthetics test. This is paired with officially sanctioned broadcast graphics, which may just make players feel like they’re watching a real game on TV—because who doesn’t like a little extra eye candy?
International Management to Come
For those a bit heartbroken over the absence of international shenanigans, fret not! Sports Interactive has teased a shiny new ‘International Management module’ that’s set to appear in a content update next year. Think of it like a surprise birthday party—but with a lot more spreadsheets and player stats.
Multiple Flavor Options
In case it hasn’t been made abundantly clear, Football Manager 26 is coming in not one, not two, but four different scrumptious flavors! The main event, the glorious Football Manager 26, will grace PC players via Steam, Epic Games Store, and the illustrious Windows Store. Plus, those happy Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get to join the party too.
For console fans, there’s a streamlined version aptly named Football Manager 26 Console, which will boogie onto PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and even Xbox One—also on November 4. Truly a magical day for football fanatics everywhere.
Touch Screen and Portable Fun
Touch fans, rejoice! Football Manager 26 Touch will make its debut on Apple Arcade, while those with a penchant for the Nintendo Switch will have to wait until December 4 for their slice of the action. Patience is a virtue, after all!
The Netflix Exclusive
In a twist straight out of a plot twist handbook, Netflix subscribers get to enjoy Football Manager 26 Mobile, an update that’s apparently too important not to grace its screens, while skipping the trendy Unity engine groove that everyone else gets. Isn’t it nice to be exclusive?
A Little Bit of History
This exciting release comes after the quiet mourning period of Football Manager 2024, which treated fans to another annual round of virtual managerial antics in November 2023. Then came the baffling news of Football Manager 25’s cancellation in February 2025—a moment marked more by confusion than applause. It seems that the developers decided to spare everyone the agony and focus on creating something even more stellar.
With this iteration, the shift to the Unity engine marks a bold new chapter, and it also proudly announces the addition of the official Premier League license alongside women’s football, all under one umbrella. What a time to be alive for sports sims!
