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Games Like Football Manager 26

60+ similar titles based on shared tags and player behavior. Themes include Simulation, Sports, Management, Singleplayer.

Football Manager 26 header art

Step into the dugout and experience the future of football management.

Reviews: Mostly Negative — 32% — of 30,190 reviews
Released: 2025-11-04
Developer: Sports Interactive
Publisher: SEGA
Genres: Simulation, Sports, Strategy
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Median playtime: 56.1 hrs
Mean playtime: 110.5 hrs
Players ≥ 1 hr: 96%

Overview

Football Manager 26 stands out because it blends long-term club building, detailed tactics, transfer-market strategy, and matchday decision-making into a deep football sim. For alternatives, we prioritized games that capture that same manager fantasy first—especially football-specific front-office sims—and then broadened into other sports management titles that scratch a similar stats-heavy, team-building itch.

Similar Games

View all 33 recommendations
  1. #1 WE ARE FOOTBALL 2024
    96% matchVery Positive80% of 1,002 reviews2024
    Dev: Winning Streak GamesPub: HandyGames
    Windows
    Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 48.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%

    Welcome to WE ARE FOOTBALL 2024! Dive into the world of football like never before. Choose an existing club or start your own. Manage either men or women, lead your club to new heights, and become the next manager legend!

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 45.4%, Sports 23.5%, Management 10%, Simulation 8%, Strategy 6.6%

    Why You'll Like It: This is the strongest non-FM football management sim on Steam, with a heavy focus on running the club, shaping tactics, and developing players over multiple seasons.

  2. #2 Soccer Manager 2026
    96% matchMostly Positive74% of 3,230 reviews2024
    Dev: Invincibles Studio Ltd
    Windows
    Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 51%

    Manage elite football clubs and lead your dream team as a football manager!

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 50.7%, Sports 25%, Management 11.2%, Simulation 8.7%, Multiplayer 3.4%

    Why You'll Like It: It delivers modern football-club management with squad building, transfers, and tactical control in a more streamlined format than Football Manager.

  3. #3 WE ARE FOOTBALL
    95% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,447 reviews2021
    Dev: Winning Streak GamesPub: THQ Nordic
    Windows
    Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 34.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%

    Lead your football club through national championships and to international stardom. Take over an established men’s or women’s team of your choice as its manager or bring a small team into the big league.

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 50.7%, Sports 27.3%, Management 6.9%, Simulation 6.2%, Strategy 6.1%

    Why You'll Like It: It captures the same behind-the-scenes football manager fantasy with club administration, lineup decisions, and long-term team development.

  4. #4 New Star™ Manager
    94% matchVery Positive87% of 514 reviews2018
    Dev: New Star Games Ltd.Pub: Five Aces Publishing Ltd.
    Windows · Mac
    Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 99.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%

    This is soccer management like you’ve never experienced it - Be more than just a player, be the head, the heart, and backbone of New Star FC. Be the Manager.

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 43.5%, Sports 34%, Simulation 13.4%, Management 9%

    Why You'll Like It: This blends football management, player relationships, and match influence into a lighter but still very addictive club-running experience.

  5. #5 Football, Tactics & Glory
    94% matchVery Positive88% of 4,156 reviews2018
    Dev: Creoteam
    Windows
    Median: 10.8 hrsMean: 45.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%

    XCOM meets Football Manager. Develop your club, earn experience in turn-based matches, learn new skills, achieve new classes, upgrade your facilities, buy and sell footballers, grow your youth academy, make difficult choices. It's a deep strategy game that respects your time.

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 45.6%, Sports 21.8%, Management 11.1%, Simulation 8%, Strategy 7.1%

    Why You'll Like It: It keeps the spirit of football management and tactical planning while presenting matches in a more board-game-like, turn-based format.

  6. #6 Pocket League Story
    91% matchVery Positive90% of 181 reviews2022
    Dev: Kairosoft Co.,Ltd
    Windows

    Train your team to battle to the top in this sensational soccer team simulation!

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 52.9%, Sports 26.2%, Simulation 8.7%, Strategy 6.8%, Management 4.9%

    Why You'll Like It: Like Football Manager in miniature, it focuses on roster decisions, player growth, and club progression with a simpler retro presentation.

  7. #7 Out of the Park Baseball 26
    89% matchVery Positive82% of 788 reviews2025
    Dev: Out of the Park Developments
    Windows · Mac

    26 years of sports gaming excellence! Out of the Park Baseball 26 is here - officially licensed by MLB, the MLB Players Inc. and KBO! This year's brand new version puts you firmly in charge of your favorite baseball franchise. Your team, your way, your rules.

    Why similar: Sports 46.8%, Management 18.4%, Simulation 16.4%, Strategy 13.9%, Multiplayer 4.1%

    Why You'll Like It: Although it is baseball, its enormous depth in roster construction, analytics, staff management, and long-term save play makes it one of the closest management-sim matches to FM.

  8. #8 F1® Manager 2024
    87% matchVery Positive82% of 6,233 reviews2024
    Dev: Frontier Developments
    Windows
    Median: 10.1 hrsMean: 35.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%

    Lead your team to glory in F1® Manager 2024. A new Formula 1® season has arrived, and with it, the most comprehensive F1® management experience to date. Build a legacy with one of 10 official F1® constructors or create your own team for the very first time.

    Why similar: Sports 43.6%, Management 22.6%, Simulation 17.5%, Strategy 16.3%

    Why You'll Like It: If you enjoy the strategic side of Football Manager, this scratches a similar itch through staffing, development, race tactics, and long-term team building.

  9. #9 Franchise Hockey Manager 11
    88% matchMixed70% of 145 reviews2024
    Dev: game54 SoftwarePub: Out of the Park Developments
    Windows · Mac

    Franchise Hockey Manager returns for the 2024-25 season with plenty of additions to the deepest, most authentic hockey strategy gaming experience you can find. Choose from teams around the globe and select a team to guide to glory, including a chance at the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup®.

    Why similar: Sports 49.5%, Management 17.3%, Simulation 16.7%, Strategy 15%, Singleplayer 1.5%

    Why You'll Like It: This is a similarly dense sports management sim where the appeal comes from tactics, player development, contracts, and season-to-season planning.

  10. #10 Lords of Football
    89% matchMixed52% of 352 reviews2013
    Dev: Geniaware SrlPub: Fish Eagle
    Windows
    Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%

    Lords of Football is a whole new sports lifestyle simulator, played in God Mode.The everyday routine of football is brought to life, simulating footballers' training to improve their skills and all the drama and real-life distractions that unfold during a normal season.

    Why similar: Sports 45%, Football (Soccer) 30%, Simulation 12.7%, Strategy 9.2%, Management 3.2%

    Why You'll Like It: It is a more unusual football management game, but it still revolves around overseeing players, training, and team performance rather than controlling matches directly.

  11. #11 Motorsport Manager
    86% matchVery Positive92% of 14,004 reviews2016
    Dev: Playsport GamesPub: Miniclip
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 41.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%

    Have you got what it takes to become the manager of a high-performance motorsport team? Motorsport Manager is a highly detailed, best-in-class management game for fans of motorsport. You’ll hire the drivers, build the cars and embed yourself in the dynamic world of racing.

    Why similar: Sports 35.9%, Management 31%, Simulation 17.1%, Strategy 13.7%, Multiplayer 1.3%

    Why You'll Like It: It translates the same management-sim satisfaction into racing, with strong emphasis on staff, upgrades, tactics, and season planning.

  12. #12 Front Office Football Eight
    86% matchVery Positive84% of 282 reviews2016
    Dev: Solecismic Software
    Windows

    Put yourself in the Front Office with Front Office Football, the professional football simulation from Solecismic Software. Manage your roster through trading, free agency and the amateur draft. Create game plans, organize depth charts and watch your franchise thrive for decades.

    Why similar: Sports 90.9%, Simulation 9.1%

    Why You'll Like It: Its focus on deep simulation, roster management, and strategy over direct play makes it a strong fit for people who love the spreadsheet side of Football Manager.

  13. #13 Pro Cycling Manager 2024
    84% matchMostly Positive75% of 535 reviews2024
    Dev: Cyanide StudioPub: Nacon
    Windows

    Become a sports director, take part in the world's top cycling races and lead your riders to victory. Set race objectives, negotiate contracts, find new sponsors and build your team season after season.

    Why similar: Sports 63.2%, Management 18.4%, Simulation 10.7%, Multiplayer 6.1%, Singleplayer 1.6%

    Why You'll Like It: Its focus on team management, scouting, development, and tactical planning during a season makes it a good cross-sport pick for FM fans.

  14. #14 Pro Basketball Manager 2025
    84% matchMostly Positive70% of 177 reviews2024
    Dev: Umix Studios
    Windows · Mac

    Suit up and become the manager of a basketball team. You’ll have all the managerial tools you’ve come to expect in a manager game, scouting, facilities, training and more. Will you put emphasis on coaching or player development? Success is only the result of your decisions both on and off the court.

    Why similar: Sports 56.6%, Management 17.3%, Strategy 13.1%, Simulation 12.4%, Singleplayer 0.5%

    Why You'll Like It: This is a detailed front-office and coaching sim where squad construction, tactics, and long-term club management are the main draw.

  15. #15 F1® Manager 2023
    83% matchVery Positive80% of 3,186 reviews2023
    Dev: Frontier Developments
    Windows
    Median: 11.9 hrsMean: 43.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%

    The intense world of Formula 1® comes alive for a new season in F1® Manager 2023. 23 races, six F1® Sprint events, new cars, new circuits including the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, new drivers, new challenges… Your legacy begins here.

    Why similar: Sports 47.6%, Simulation 18.5%, Management 17.4%, Strategy 16.3%, Singleplayer 0.3%

    Why You'll Like It: It provides another strong dose of staff management, tactical decision-making, and long-term team optimization for players who love management depth.

  16. #16 Football Drama
    85% matchMixed64% of 84 reviews2019
    Dev: Open Lab Games
    Windows · Mac

    There is a story behind every goal. You're Rocco Galliano, the existentially troubled manager of a struggling football team. Train players, choose your own narrative, survive the drama, and play turn-based football matches via tactical cards and hard choices.

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 47.2%, Sports 32.8%, Strategy 9.6%, Management 6%, Simulation 4.5%

    Why You'll Like It: This offers a narrative-driven take on football management, emphasizing choices, club pressure, and matchday decisions from the manager's seat.

  17. #17 Tennis Manager 2024
    82% matchMostly Positive78% of 120 reviews2024
    Dev: Rebound
    Windows · Mac

    The courts have missed you, it’s time to sign your comeback and prove yourself as the greatest tennis manager. Tennis Manager 2024 is back and better than ever! Get ready to strategize, train your new wonderkids, and conquer the courts in the most immersive tennis management experience yet!

    Why similar: Sports 41.2%, Football (Soccer) 21%, Management 14%, Simulation 11.9%, Strategy 11.1%

    Why You'll Like It: It captures the same developmental and strategic appeal by having you manage training, scheduling, staff, and long-term athlete progression.

  18. #18 Franchise Hockey Manager 10
    81% matchVery Positive80% of 206 reviews2023
    Dev: Out of the Park Developments
    Windows · Mac

    Franchise Hockey Manager returns for the 2023-24 season with plenty of additions to the deepest, most authentic hockey strategy gaming experience you can find. Choose from teams around the globe and select a team to guide to glory, including a chance at the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup®.

    Why similar: Sports 50%, Management 17.1%, Simulation 16.6%, Strategy 14.7%, Singleplayer 1.6%

    Why You'll Like It: This older hockey management sim still offers the same kind of detailed team-building and strategic oversight that makes Football Manager compelling.

  19. #19 Draft Day Sports: Pro Football 2025
    81% matchMixed46% of 13 reviews2024
    Dev: Wolverine Studios
    Windows

    Draft Day Sports: Pro Football 2025 puts you in the role of general manager of your favorite football team. Every decision can be made by you from drafting, trading, signing free agents right down to creating and calling your own plays to lead your team to championship glory and becoming a dynasty.

    Why similar: Sports 61.2%, Simulation 20%, Strategy 17.3%, Singleplayer 1.5%

    Why You'll Like It: This is a stats-driven management sim focused on roster building, playbook decisions, and franchise planning rather than direct on-field action.

  20. #20 Draft Day Sports: Pro Basketball 2025
    80% matchPositive90% of 10 reviews2024
    Dev: Wolverine Studios
    Windows

    Draft Day Sports: Pro Basketball 2025 puts you in the role of general manager of your favorite basketball team. Every decision can be made by you from drafting, trading, signing free agents all the way to making each substitution to lead your team to championship glory and becoming a dynasty.

    Why similar: Sports 61.2%, Simulation 20%, Strategy 17.3%, Singleplayer 1.5%

    Why You'll Like It: Its appeal comes from deep team construction, strategic planning, and season simulation in a way that echoes Football Manager's macro-level gameplay.

  21. #21 Draft Day Sports: College Football 2025
    79% matchPositive90% of 10 reviews2024
    Dev: Wolverine StudiosPub: Wolverine Studios
    Windows

    Draft Day Sports: College Football 2025 puts you in the role of head coach for your favorite college football team. Recruit, gameplan, hire a successful staff and make the right calls on the field to lead your team to the top of the ranks and the college football championship.

    Why similar: Sports 61.3%, Simulation 18.9%, Strategy 18.4%, Singleplayer 1.5%

    Why You'll Like It: Recruiting, roster management, and long-horizon program building make it a solid alternative for players who enjoy FM's planning-heavy side.

  22. #22 Draft Day Sports: College Basketball 2025
    79% matchMixed65% of 16 reviews2025
    Dev: Wolverine Studios
    Windows

    Lead your college basketball team in Draft Day Sports: College Basketball 2025. Recruit stars, coach for success, and make key decisions that will lead your team to the tournament. Navigate recruiting, the transfer portal and NIL options to build a winner. The ultimate coaching simulation game!

    Why similar: Sports 61.2%, Simulation 20%, Strategy 17.3%, Singleplayer 1.5%

    Why You'll Like It: It rounds out the list with another management-first sports sim centered on recruitment, development, tactics, and long-term success.

  23. #23 EA SPORTS FC™ 26
    72% matchMixed46% of 54,515 reviews2025
    Dev: EA CanadaPub: Electronic Arts
    Windows
    Median: 44.9 hrsMean: 91.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%

    The Club is Yours in EA SPORTS FC™ 26. Play your way with an overhauled gameplay experience powered by community feedback, Manager Live Challenges that bring fresh storylines to the new season, and Archetypes inspired by greats of the game.

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 54.2%, Sports 27.3%, Simulation 9.3%, Multiplayer 7.9%, Singleplayer 1.3%

  24. #24 EA SPORTS FC™ 25
    70% matchMixed53% of 104,583 reviews2024
    Dev: EA CanadaPub: Electronic Arts
    Windows
    Median: 70.2 hrsMean: 148.2 hrs≥1hr: 97%

    EA SPORTS FC™ 25 gives you more ways to win for the club. Team up with friends in your favourite modes with the new 5v5 Rush, and manage your club to victory as FC IQ delivers more tactical control than ever before.

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 51.4%, Sports 33.3%, Simulation 7.9%, Multiplayer 6.8%, Singleplayer 0.6%

  25. #25 Football Academy Manager
    67% matchNo user reviews93% of 168 reviews2026
    Dev: Hubi
    Windows

    Run your own football academy. Scout and discover young talents, evaluate their potential, manage their development through training, and negotiate transfers with clubs to grow your prestige and influence.

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 49.1%, Sports 27.5%, Management 13.7%, Simulation 6.2%, Strategy 2.6%

  26. #26 Football Referee Simulator
    67% matchVery Positive91% of 482 reviews2024
    Dev: Vladimir Pliashkun
    Windows
    Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 51%

    Football Referee Simulator—the groundbreaking game that puts you in the referee's shoes! Are you ready to kickstart your career in the lower divisions and ascend to legendary status by overseeing thrilling finals?

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 48.1%, Sports 41.1%, Simulation 10.1%, Singleplayer 0.7%

  27. #27 Pro 11 - Football Manager Game
    70% matchMostly Positive75% of 359 reviews2020
    Dev: Trophy Games ApS
    Windows
    Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 67%

    Become the best football manager. Join Pro 11 and claim the championship!

    Why similar: Sports 39.1%, Football (Soccer) 32.5%, Simulation 10.9%, Strategy 10.4%, Management 4.5%

  28. #28 SEGA FOOTBALL CLUB CHAMPIONS
    68% matchMostly Negative32% of 637 reviews2026
    Dev: SEGA
    Windows

    Powered by Football Manager ™, featuring more than 5,000 real player data from FIFPRO™. Allowing you to compete in J League, K League, and more! Become the manager of your club and bring your team to global superstars.

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 43.2%, Sports 37.7%, Simulation 13.9%, Multiplayer 4.4%, Singleplayer 0.8%

  29. #29 FIFA 22
    66% matchVery Positive81% of 120,504 reviews2021
    Dev: EA Canada & EA RomaniaPub: Electronic Arts
    Windows
    Median: 83.8 hrsMean: 194.2 hrs≥1hr: 96%

    Powered by Football™, EA SPORTS™ FIFA 22 brings the game even closer to the real thing with fundamental gameplay advances and a new season of innovation across every mode.

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 64.4%, Sports 22.4%, Multiplayer 6.2%, Simulation 6.2%, Singleplayer 0.9%

  30. #30 Football Club Management 2023
    68% matchMixed51% of 158 reviews2022
    Dev: Go Play Games Ltd
    Windows

    Take control of a Real Football Club or create your own club, in Football Club Manager 2023 a fast-paced Football Club Management Game. Download Football Club Manager 2023 now for FREE & start your Football management journey.

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 51.3%, Sports 26.7%, Management 10.5%, Simulation 7.5%, Strategy 3.4%

  31. #31 Football Life Simulator
    65% matchMostly Positive73% of 1,459 reviews2025
    Dev: Ludu Arts
    Windows
    Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 80%

    Live the life of a professional footballer both on and off the field. Train, play matches, manage your social life, climb the career ladder, and spend your earned money. Decorate your life with luxury while managing your relationships and finances.

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 71.7%, Simulation 13.9%, Management 13.3%, Singleplayer 1%

  32. #32 Pro Cycling Manager 2023
    66% matchMostly Positive77% of 634 reviews2023
    Dev: Cyanide StudioPub: Nacon
    Windows

    Manage a team of professional cyclists: control the budget, recruit young talent, train riders and devise race strategies. Jostle for position to reach the top of the world rankings!

    Why similar: Sports 48.4%, Simulation 19%, Management 14.2%, Multiplayer 10%, Strategy 6.7%

  33. #33 New Star™ Soccer 5
    69% matchMostly Positive70% of 852 reviews2012
    Dev: New Star Games
    Windows
    Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 63%

    Live the life of an up-and-coming superstar in this unique football career game. Start out as a 16 year old lad and work your way to the top to become a footballing legend!

    Why similar: Football (Soccer) 44.9%, Sports 41.5%, Simulation 13.6%

Football Manager 26 cover art

Games Like Football Manager 26

Based on tag similarity + player behavior
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