Football Manager 26 (FM 26) marks a significant evolution for the renowned sports simulation franchise, as it is set to become the first iteration to fully integrate women's soccer. This pioneering expansion includes the highly anticipated addition of one of the world's premier domestic leagues, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

A critical development in realizing this authentic representation is the new partnership forged between game developer Sports Interactive and both the NWSL and the NWSL Player's Association (NWSLPA). This collaboration is instrumental in bringing official player photos, authentic club logos, and accurate kits for all NWSL teams directly into FM 26, significantly enhancing the immersive experience for players managing women's clubs.

Beyond the NWSL, Sports Interactive had previously announced a broad spectrum of licenses for women's soccer. These include major European leagues such as England's Women's Super League (WSL), Germany's Frauen-Bundesliga, and the prestigious UEFA Women's Champions League. Furthermore, the game will feature national competitions from several other countries, including Italy, Japan, Sweden, Denmark, Wales, and Australia. Securing individual player licenses through the NWSLPA specifically elevates the level of detail and realism, going beyond just league and competition rights.

FM 26 is being positioned as the most authentic installment in the series' history, not only due to its comprehensive venture into women's soccer but also its continued commitment to global football offerings. The game has also established partnerships with the Premier League and FIFA, further expanding its licensed international soccer content. While already accessible via Advanced Access on PC, FM 26 is slated for its full release across all platforms on November 4.