Sports Interactive, the developers of Football Manager 26, are hinting at the return of a previously removed feature as they prepare for next year’s World Cup. The company recently shared their upcoming plans for FM26, teasing exciting updates for 2026 following a series of game improvements since its debut in November.
In a forum post, a member of the Sports Interactive team disclosed that international management will be reintroduced next year as part of a free update after the completion of the World Cup qualifiers in March. The decision to eliminate this feature before FM26’s release stirred reactions among dedicated players. While the exact implementation details remain unclear, speculation suggests players may have the opportunity to lead one of the 48 national teams vying for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Additionally, Sports Interactive has committed to releasing winter transfer updates in February and March, along with ongoing enhancements to the game’s user interface. The studio announced plans to resume regular updates in mid-January, with expected releases every 2–3 weeks, aiming to address player concerns and improve overall gameplay experience.
The development team is actively working on performance enhancements, quality-of-life improvements, and addressing player feedback regarding user interface elements and navigation. Furthermore, they are introducing adjustments to media features and enhancing immersion factors within the game. While specific details about new game modes are yet to be revealed, a future announcement is anticipated to demonstrate the company’s dedication to advancing gameplay options.
Acknowledging that not all player concerns can be immediately resolved, Sports Interactive assures the community that they are carefully reviewing all feedback and suggestions. The team emphasizes their commitment to continuous updates and future game iterations to meet player expectations and enhance the overall gaming experience.
The company expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from players and reiterated their dedication to delivering improvements to elevate the gameplay experience.


