FIFAe and Sports Interactive have announced the FIFAe Club World Cup 26 featuring Football Manager, marking the return of Football Manager to the global esports stage. Registrations are now open for professional, semi professional, and amateur football clubs worldwide
Clubs can register through FIFA.GG to secure a place in the online qualifiers. These qualifiers serve as the entry route to the FIFAe Club World Cup 26. Participating clubs will be represented by players competing across multiple online match weeks, with performance determining qualification for the main event.
FIFAe confirmed that further details on competition format, schedule, roster requirements, and operational rules will be shared in the coming weeks. Clubs interested in joining the qualifiers can also contact FIFAe directly via club-registration@fifa.gg.
The announcement signals the return of Football Manager esports after a one year absence. The competitive format transforms the traditional single player management experience into a head to head environment where strategic decision making and long term planning determine success.
FIFAe last hosted a Football Manager competition in 2024. The event took place in Liverpool and featured 40 participants from 19 countries, competing for a prize pool of $100,000. The tournament ran over five days, including a multi day group stage followed by knockout matches.
The 2026 edition introduces a different structure. The inclusion of open online qualifiers positions the event as a standalone competition rather than a limited invitational. This approach broadens access and integrates clubs directly into the qualification process.
No Football Manager esports event took place in 2025. This followed the postponed release cycle of the franchise. The FIFAe Club World Cup 26 announcement arrives shortly after the launch of Football Manager 26 in November 2025, aligning the return of the esport with the latest title.
Summary
FIFAe and Sports Interactive have launched the FIFAe Club World Cup 26 featuring Football Manager, reintroducing Football Manager esports with open online qualifiers for clubs worldwide. The tournament follows the release of Football Manager 26 and introduces a new competitive structure.
