Sports Interactive has announced a landmark partnership with FIFA, confirming that future editions of the Football Manager series will feature officially licensed FIFA competitions for the first time in the franchise’s history.
Starting with Football Manager 2026, players will be able to lead their national teams through officially branded FIFA tournaments. This includes the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as well as the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The developer confirmed that this licensing deal will align with a major overhaul of the game’s international management features. A revamped international management system is set to be introduced in a content update next year for FM26, FM26 Console, and FM26 Touch, ahead of the real-life tournament.
In an official statement, Sports Interactive said:
"This licence coincides with the inclusion of a playable, revamped International Management module in a Content Update next year for FM26, FM26 Console and FM26 Touch in advance of FIFA World Cup 26."
Fans can expect enhanced authenticity throughout the game. For the first time, Football Manager will include official tournament branding, broadcast-style graphics, and team kits for all 48 participating nations once they become available.
"Full feature details will follow once we're in a position to confirm every element but we can reveal that for the FIFA World Cup 26 – the 23rd and largest edition in tournament history – the official kits of all 48 teams will be included in FM26 when they’re available alongside broadcast graphics and tournament branding," the statement continued.
The licensing deal marks a significant expansion for the series and strengthens its growing global presence.
"Elevating authenticity to truly global heights, we’re delighted to have signed our first partnership with FIFA," Sports Interactive added.
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