Sports Interactive has shared the first details about a major update for Football Manager 2026 that will introduce the officially licensed FIFA World Cup 2026.
Thanks to the first licensing agreement in the series’ history between the developers and FIFA, players will be able to manage national teams ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted this summer by United States, Canada, and Mexico. The update will become available on May 26.
After the update launches, FM26 will feature a new quick-start option that allows players to jump directly into managing a national team at the World Cup. Two starting scenarios will be available:
- May 11 in-game start date — allows players to manage the final two friendly matches, evaluate squad form, and finalize the tournament roster.
- Early June start date — arriving in a later June patch, this option lets users take charge immediately before the first FIFA World Cup 2026 match with an already confirmed 26-player squad.
Players will also be able to combine club and national team management. When selecting May or June starts, the club season will simulate in the background until the international campaign begins.
The update will be fully compatible with previous saves. Users will be able to import save files from FM23 and FM24 or seamlessly integrate international management into an existing or new FM26 career.
Squad Building, Scouting, and Player Interaction
The national team registration system has been redesigned based on feedback from real-life professional managers.
Provisional Squad System
A new system allows managers to call up an extended preliminary squad before reducing it to the final tournament roster. The Squad Planner tool is now integrated directly into this process.
Improved Navigation
The National Pool tab becomes one of the six main top-menu panels. The revamped National Shortlist now functions similarly to club shortlists and includes:
- Player Discovery mode
- Current club form tracking
- International expectation indicators for players awaiting call-ups
Expanded Interaction and Scouting
New conversation options include:
- Discussing chances of receiving a call-up
- Promoting youth internationals to the senior team
- Convincing players not to retire from international football
New Scouting Focuses for national teams will help managers search for dual-nationality players and emerging talents outside the current shortlist.
Media Features
Press conferences will now include additional questions regarding selection and omission decisions for specific players.
New Tactical Features
Match Preparation Focuses
Managers can now prioritize specific tactical elements before matches, including:
- Possession play
- Defensive structure
- Set-piece preparation
Improved Player Recovery
The recovery system has been adjusted internally, allowing players to better handle congested international tournament schedules and play more matches consecutively.
Staff and Analytics
National teams can now hire dedicated set-piece coaches, while the analytics center will provide full statistical support at the international level.
Presentation and Visual Upgrades
The official FIFA World Cup 2026 license is deeply integrated into the game’s presentation.
Players can expect:
- Branded menus and tournament portals
- New matchday cutscenes
- Updated TV broadcast graphics
- Official match protocols
- Licensed kits
- The official Adidas Trionda match ball
Winning the tournament will also trigger an authentic trophy-lifting cutscene featuring the national team captain raising the official FIFA World Cup trophy.
Additionally, as part of the major return of international management, players will be able to manage women’s national teams in the Football Manager franchise for the first time ever.
Important Notes From the Developers
- At launch, 47 of the 48 qualified national teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available in the game. The status of the final team may change in future updates.
- Licensing approval for official kits is still ongoing. As a result, not all participating teams will have their authentic uniforms available at launch, though more will be added later.
As a reminder, the playoff bracket for DreamLeague Season 29 has officially been finalized.