Football fans and gamers alike are about to experience a seismic shift in virtual management, as SEGA and Sports Interactive have announced a groundbreaking multi-year licensing deal with FIFA for the upcoming Football Manager 26. This historic partnership, revealed on October 17, 2025, marks the first time the iconic football simulation series will feature official FIFA competitions—including the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup—alongside authentic kits, broadcast graphics, and tournament branding.
According to the official press release from SEGA and Sports Interactive, the deal will elevate the game’s authenticity to “truly global heights.” The inclusion of FIFA’s biggest tournaments will begin with Football Manager 26, launching worldwide on November 4, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Android, iOS, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store. Nintendo Switch owners will see Football Manager 26 Touch arrive a month later, on December 4.
This partnership is more than just a licensing coup—it’s a turning point for the Football Manager franchise. For the first time in the series’ storied history, players will be able to guide their teams through officially sanctioned FIFA tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup 26, which will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The 2026 edition is set to be the 23rd and largest World Cup to date, featuring 48 national teams. Every one of these teams will appear in the game with their official kits, as well as authentic tournament broadcast graphics and branding.
Sports Interactive studio director Miles Jacobson couldn’t hide his excitement, stating, “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 a much more feature-rich module for our players was important. To be able to do that with the support of FIFA with an official license, giving us the tournament broadcast graphics and tournament kits in-game, is a real honor and something we’re delighted our fans will be able to experience next year. And this is just the start of our relationship—stay tuned for more to come in 2026 and beyond.” (VGChartz)
The deal also brings a major update to the game’s International Management module. This revamped feature will be available from launch in Football Manager 26 Mobile (Netflix), and will roll out to Football Manager 26, FM26 Console, and FM26 Touch in a free content update next year, ahead of the World Cup’s June kickoff. The new module promises a richer, more immersive experience for players who aspire to take the helm of national teams, with official licenses and improved gameplay mechanics. While full details of the update are still under wraps, the developers have teased that it will coincide with the arrival of the World Cup and deliver a host of new features and improvements.
This isn’t just about the men’s game, either. The partnership with FIFA paves the way for the inclusion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Football Manager 26—a first for the series and a significant step forward for representation in football gaming. The FIFA Club World Cup will also make its debut, providing fans with a broader array of international competitions to conquer. As Eurogamer highlighted, the addition of the women’s game marks another milestone for the franchise, ensuring that Football Manager 26 reflects the full spectrum of global football.
Football Manager 26 is also notable for being the first entry in the series built on the Unity Engine, a move that has drawn attention from both fans and critics. Early hands-on impressions, such as those from Eurogamer’s Chris Tapsell, suggest that the new engine brings both opportunities and challenges: “It’s going to take a lot of getting used to.” The engine switch promises enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay, but also means a period of adjustment as players acclimate to the revamped interface and mechanics.
The significance of the FIFA licensing deal can’t be overstated. For years, Football Manager fans have clamored for official tournament representation, and this agreement finally delivers on that wish. As reported by BBC and echoed across gaming news outlets, the partnership ensures that all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup will be faithfully recreated, from their kits to the smallest details of tournament branding. This level of authenticity is expected to deepen immersion and raise the stakes for virtual managers aiming for international glory.
The rollout of the new International Management module is timed perfectly, arriving just ahead of the real-world World Cup. The update will be available across all versions of the game—including Console and Touch editions—ensuring that no player is left out of the action. According to the developers, this is only the beginning; further details and additional features are promised for future updates in 2026 and beyond.
For SEGA and Sports Interactive, the partnership represents both a culmination and a new beginning. The Football Manager series has long been lauded for its depth, realism, and attention to detail, but the absence of official FIFA tournaments was a notable gap. With this deal, the franchise cements its status as the definitive football management simulation, offering fans the chance to experience the thrill of the World Cup, the prestige of the Club World Cup, and the excitement of the Women’s World Cup like never before.
Football Manager 26’s global launch on November 4, 2025, is shaping up to be a landmark event, not just for the series but for football gaming as a whole. Whether you’re a veteran manager or a newcomer eager to test your tactical acumen on the world’s biggest stage, this year’s edition promises something truly special. And with the promise of more official content, updates, and surprises on the horizon, it’s clear that the beautiful game’s digital future has never looked brighter.
As anticipation builds towards release day and the subsequent World Cup, the Football Manager community is abuzz with speculation and excitement. The inclusion of official FIFA competitions, enhanced international management, and the debut of the Unity Engine are set to redefine what it means to manage at the highest level—both on the pitch and behind the scenes. For fans, the wait is almost over; for SEGA and Sports Interactive, the journey is just beginning.
