In a groundbreaking move for football gaming, Sports Interactive has officially partnered with FIFA, football’s global governing body, to bring officially licensed international tournaments to Football Manager 2026 (FM26). The announcement, made on October 17, marks a historic first for the long-running series and promises to redefine realism and immersion for football management fans worldwide.
Official FIFA Tournaments Come to Football Manager 2026
Under this new multi-year partnership, Football Manager 2026 will feature authentic FIFA competitions for the first time in the series’ history — including the FIFA World Cup 26™, FIFA Women’s World Cup™, and FIFA Club World Cup™.
These tournaments will debut with official names, branding, kits, and broadcast graphics, giving fans the closest experience yet to managing on football’s biggest stage. Future tournaments under FIFA’s umbrella are also set to join in later updates.
This collaboration aligns with a major revamp of the game’s International Management module, which will roll out in a content update for FM26, FM26 Console, and FM26 Touch ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26™ — set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Miles Jacobson: “A Historic Moment for Football Manager”
Sports Interactive Studio Director Miles Jacobson expressed his excitement about the deal, calling it a major milestone for both the studio and the franchise:
“Revealing this partnership with FIFA is an incredibly historic moment for the studio. Heading into a World Cup year, revamping International Management and making it much more feature-rich for our players was important. To do that with FIFA’s official license, tournament kits, and graphics is a real honor — and this is just the start of our relationship. Stay tuned for more in 2026 and beyond.”
What to Expect in FM26
Football Manager 2026, powered by the Unity Engine for the first time, is set for a worldwide release on November 4, 2025. The switch to Unity promises a refreshed visual and gameplay experience, redefining the managerial simulation standard that Sports Interactive and SEGA have built over decades.
The FIFA World Cup 26™ integration will include all 48 officially licensed national teams, each with accurate kits and real-world tournament presentation. This unprecedented level of authenticity ensures that managing your nation to global glory will feel more real than ever.
Additionally, International Management will also be available in FM26 Mobile (Netflix) at launch, allowing players on all platforms to experience the excitement of leading their nation to the top.
Visit footballmanager.com for more details.
