FIFA/esports: launch of the FIFAe Club World Cup, a club-based competition on Football Manager, in 2026

FIFA is to launch the FIFAe Club World Cup in 2026, an esports competition "for football clubs from all around the world" played on Football Manager (SEGA Sammy), announced the body on 23/12/2025. This event will be held through FIFAe, the international federation's official esports division.

FIFA had entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with Football Manager on 17/12/2025, which provided for the integration of the body's main competitions (including the 2026 World Cup) into the series. As part of the FIFAe Club World Cup, "top clubs from around the world will compete for global esports glory, giving players the chance to represent their favourite teams in a fully immersive digital football experience. An extended qualification format will allow teams from around the globe to compete and identify their official representative," said the international federation.

This launch follows on from FIFAe Next Gen, the first multi-game competition in the body's history, held at the Liverpool Exhibition Center (GBR) from 28/08 to 01/09/2024, which included events played on Football…