Sports Interactive secures “multi-year” deal with FIFA, including the 2026 World Cup

Sports Interactive and FIFA have signed a new multi-year partnership to bring official licences for FIFA’s “biggest competitions to the Football Manager series, including the FIFA World Cup 26 held in Canada, Mexico and USA.”

In a brief statement, Sports Interactive said the officially branded and titled FIFA competitions will commence with FM26 with the inclusion of the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

“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,” the developer said.

“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.

“Elevating authenticity to truly global heights, we’re delighted to have signed our first partnership with FIFA.”

Despite a record-breaking 2024 for Football Manager 24, SI cancelled Football Manager 25 in February following significant delays.