FM26 Women’s Leagues: Full List of All 14 Playable Competitions at Launch
Football Manager 26 (FM26) finally brings women’s football into the series – with 14 playable leagues confirmed at launch. From the Barclays WSL in England to the NWSL in the USA, this guide lists every FM26 women’s league, and helps you pick your first save.
When Sports Interactive cancelled FM25, it was the biggest shake-up the series has ever seen. The Unity engine switch forced a reset, and instead of rushing out something half-baked, SI took the rare step of pausing for a year to reset and regroup.
That reset also meant the women’s game had to wait a little longer. Originally pencilled in for FM25, women’s football will now arrive in FM26 – not as a DLC, but fully integrated into the same Football Manager universe we’ve all been playing for years.
FM26 Women’s Leagues at Launch: At a Glance
The additional time looks like it’s been used wisely, here’s what we know already:
- 4 playable leagues across 11 countries
- 3 continents represented: Europe, Americas, Asia-Pacific
- 36,000+ players and 5,000 staff researched
- Fully licensed kits, logos, and player photos
- Integrated saves: manage men’s and women’s clubs in the same career
For the first time ever, women’s football is about to be a part of Football Manager. The only question now is: which leagues actually made the cut?
• Europe: 12 leagues
• Americas: 1 league
• Asia-Pacific: 2 leagues
• Total: 14 playable women’s leagues
Europe (12)
- WSL (England)
- WSL2 (England)
- Liga F (Spain)
- Primera Federación (Spain)
- Première Ligue Féminine (France)
- Frauen-Bundesliga (Germany)
- Serie A Femminile (Italy)
- Damallsvenskan (Sweden)
- Elitettan (Sweden)
- A-Liga (Denmark)
- Adran Premier (Wales)
Americas (1)
- NWSL (USA)
Asia-Pacific (2)
- WE League (Japan)
- A-League Women (Australia)
Confirmed Leagues in Detail
Sports Interactive promised “low double figures” of women’s leagues at launch – and they’ve delivered. FM26 includes 14 competitions across 11 nations, with England and Spain both launching with two tiers, while most others start with just their top flight.
England – WSL & WSL2
The WSL is England’s flagship league, founded in 2011. Chelsea remain the dominant force, with Arsenal and Manchester United pushing hard, while London City Lionesses make their top-flight debut in 25/26.
Beneath it, WSL2 (formerly the Championship) offers a very different challenge. It’s scrappy, unpredictable, and features new arrivals Ipswich and Nottingham Forest, alongside Crystal Palace aiming to bounce back from relegation.
Why Manage Here? Big stars at the top, chaos in the second tier -perfect for either instant success or a promotion grind.
Spain – Liga F & Primera Federación
Liga F is Barcelona’s playground. With Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí, Barça have set the European standard, while Real Madrid Femenino and Atlético Madrid are working to close the gap.
The Primera Federación brings depth with a semi-pro second tier – ideal for long-term project saves where promotion is hard-earned.
Why Manage Here? Dominate with Barcelona, or rebuild Spain’s second tier from the bottom up.
Sweden – Damallsvenskan & Elitettan
The Damallsvenskan has been professional since 1988 and remains one of the world’s most respected women’s leagues. Rosengård, Häcken, and Linköping are the established giants, while others constantly push to break through.
The second tier, Elitettan, is semi-pro and unforgiving – a true FM project save for those who enjoy the grind.
Why Manage Here? A talent factory with two tiers – ideal for youth development or survival specialists.
Germany – Frauen-Bundesliga
Germany’s top flight expands to 14 clubs in 25/26, and it’s as competitive as ever. Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg are the big names, but Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim, and others ensure there are no easy fixtures.
Why Manage Here? Champions League contenders everywhere – test yourself against Europe’s elite.
France – Division 1 Féminine
France was the epicentre of women’s football dominance throughout the 2010s, with Lyon lifting 15 league titles. PSG eventually broke through, and clubs like Bordeaux, Montpellier, and Fleury are now working to shake up the old order.
Why Manage Here? Break the Lyon-PSG duopoly or build a dark horse into a title challenger.
Italy – Serie A Femminile
Professionalised in 2022, Serie A is growing quickly. Juventus and Roma lead the way, but Fiorentina, Inter, and Milan are closing in. The league is now a genuine force in European competition.
Why Manage Here? Big-name clubs but a still-open title race – a balanced league for new FM players.
USA – NWSL
The NWSL, founded in 2013, is unique: no transfer windows, no big spending, but parity across the league. Trades and allocation money shape rosters instead. Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave headline, though every club is capable of a playoff run.
Why Manage Here? A tactical challenge with unique rules – FM on hard mode.
Denmark – A-Liga
The A-Liga rebranded in 25/26, with Fortuna Hjørring and Brøndby still the historic giants. A playoff system keeps the season spicy, with European qualification often coming down to the wire.
Why Manage Here? A Nordic stepping stone – mix tradition with modern European ambitions.
Wales – Adran Premier
The Adran Premier is semi-pro but growing. Swansea are the benchmark, while Cardiff and Wrexham are ambitious challengers. It’s a long-term challenge to raise standards and compete in Europe.
Why Manage Here? Perfect for underdog saves and building a nation from scratch.
Japan – WE League
Launched in 2021, the WE League is Asia’s first fully professional women’s competition. INAC Kobe Leonessa, Urawa Reds, and Beleza lead the pack in a league built around technical football and youth development.
Why Manage Here? A unique challenge in Asia’s first pro league – technical football, new stories.
Australia – A-League Women
Rebranded after the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the A-League Women features Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory, and Melbourne City at the top. The league runs on a different calendar to Europe, making it a distinctive FM experience.
Why Manage Here? A fresh calendar, World Cup legacy, and a mix of Aussie and Kiwi clubs to rebuild.
Your Save Awaits
FM26 isn’t just adding leagues. It’s adding possibilities. From Chelsea to Wrexham, Barcelona to Kobe, the stories you can tell in FM have just doubled.
This is just the start. The women’s database will grow, new leagues will arrive, and the saves will only get richer.
So the only thing left to decide is simple: where are you starting your first save?
If you’re planning your first save around launch, don’t miss our FM26 Beta & Pre-Order FAQ for dates and early access details.
