FIFA, in partnership with Sports Interactive, has announced the launch of a new competition called the FIFAe Club World Cup, which will officially join the esports competition framework in Football Manager starting in 2026. This unprecedented move brings this renowned title closer to football fans worldwide.
This competition marks a first in the history of esports, as it will see the introduction of an official club competition within the Football Manager tournaments, offering fans a more realistic digital experience linked to the actual football world and enhancing the competitive aspect of the game.
Major clubs from various continents will compete for global glory in this new event, where players will have the opportunity to represent their favorite teams in an immersive digital football experience, showcasing their skills in tactical planning, team management, and long-term squad building within a high-level competitive framework.
This initiative follows the remarkable success of the inaugural competitions held in Liverpool in 2024, which received widespread acclaim from stakeholders in the esports field and was recognized with several awards for its innovative character.
In 2026, organizers will implement an extensive qualifying system allowing teams from around the world to compete for their official representatives in the tournament, combining football passion with the strategic depth that Football Manager is known for. This event will serve as a platform to highlight emerging talents from the new generation in the realm of electronic team management.
FIFA has invited football clubs from all over the world to join this competition, indicating that registration is now open via the FIFA.GG website, with additional details about the tournament’s system and stages being revealed in early 2026.
The FIFAe Club World Cup is expected to become a key component of FIFA’s esports and FIFAe gaming platform, which is experiencing rapid expansion, as reflected in the hosting of the FIFAe 2025 finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
