Key Highlights
- The article highlights the top 20 teams for managers in Football Manager 2026.
- Teams are categorized based on their transfer and wage budgets as well as difficulty ratings ranging from 1 to 5.
- Diverse leagues such as La Liga, Premier League, Women’s Super League, and Eredivisie are represented in the list.
- Key tips for managing each team are provided to aid players in their strategies.
The Best Teams to Manage in Football Manager 2026
The latest installment of the Football Manager series, FM26, has introduced a plethora of new challenges for managers. With more teams and leagues to manage than ever before, the game now includes women’s football as part of its extensive roster. This expansion brings with it a diverse range of scenarios, making the game more engaging and versatile.
Manchester City – Easy Money and Talent
Manchester City, led by the prodigious talent of Erling Haaland, offers managers an easy route to success with its substantial transfer budget (£47.5 million) and high weekly wage budget (£855,000). The team is rated as one of the easiest to manage (difficulty rating: 1/5), making it a perfect choice for those looking to start their Football Manager journey.
Managerial tips include:
- Evaluating and developing young players like Rayan Cherki and Claudio Echeverri.
- Considering the potential transfer value of players such as Phil Foden, Savinho, and Abdukodir Khusanov.
- Loaning out goalkeeper James Trafford to boost his transfer valuation.
Galatasaray – Turkish League Dominance
In Turkish football, Galatasaray stands as a formidable contender with a transfer budget of nearly £50 million. The team is expected to secure a fourth consecutive league title, but the challenge lies in challenging for European silverware. Led by Victor Osimhen and supported by Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, and Lucas Torreira, managers must focus on refreshing their squad as older players like Mauro Icardi approach the twilight of their careers.
Key strategies:
- Selling 32-year-old Mauro Icardi to reduce wage bills and reinvest in younger talent.
- Evaluating the potential of younger players like Davinson Sanchez.
Brighton & Hove Albion – Young Talent Abounds
Brighton & Hove Albion is another team that benefits from its young talent. With a transfer budget of £100 million, the squad features four players with five-star potential (Carlos Baleba, Jack Hinshelwood, Evan Ferguson, Yasin Ayari), as well as several youngsters with significant development prospects. However, managers must carefully manage their wage bill (£283,000) to avoid financial strain.
Managerial advice:
- Considering the potential of Ibrahim Osman to replace Kaoru Mitoma on the left wing.
- Selling Mitoma in January if you are committed to developing Osman’s abilities.
Chelsea Women – A Champions League Challenge
Chelsea Women, a dominant force in women’s football, presents managers with an opportunity to win multiple titles. With a transfer budget of £500,000 and wage budget of £9,600, the team has a strong squad including Alyssa Thompson, Lauren James, Naomi Girma, and Sam Kerr. The challenge lies in securing Champions League success.
Strategies:
- Focusing on formations with two forwards to exploit the depth at striker.
Roma – Building for Success
Roma, while not title contenders, offer a solid foundation for managers. With young stars like Niccolo Pisilli and a strong youth system, they are well-placed to improve their standing in Italian football. However, the club has limited financial resources (£19 million) and no wage budget.
Managerial tips:
- Selling Paulo Dybala one year early to maximize his transfer value.
Atletico Madrid – Navigating a Steep Climb
Atletico Madrid, managed by Diego Simeone, face significant challenges. The team has limited young talent and the gap with Barcelona and Real Madrid is widening. Despite having only two first-team players rated four-star or above (Jan Oblak and Julian Alvarez), managers can still build a competitive squad.
Strategies:
- Cashing in on Marcos Llorente to generate funds for youth development.
The diverse range of teams available in Football Manager 2026 offers managers exciting challenges across various leagues and competitions.
Whether it’s building a powerhouse like Manchester City or navigating the complexities of Galatasaray, the game provides ample opportunities for strategic play and managerial success. As the two-year gap since FM24 has built excitement, players are eager to see how they can navigate these new scenarios.
