FM26 Women’s Football
Football Manager 26 is the first in the series to fully integrate women’s football. That means new leagues, new competitions, different tactical challenges, and an entire new generation of wonderkids to scout.
This quick-fire guide gives you the essentials: where you can manage, who to watch, how it plays differently, and tips for your first save.
Confirmed Nations & Leagues
FM26 launches with 14 women’s leagues across 11 nations and 3 continents.
- England – WSL + WSL2
- Wales – Adran Premier
- Spain – Liga F + Primera Federación
- France – Première Ligue
- Germany – Frauen-Bundesliga
- Italy – Serie A Femminile
- Sweden – Damallsvenskan + Elitettan
- Denmark – A-Liga
- USA – NWSL
- Japan – WE League
- Australia – A-League Women
Teams to Know
Some clubs come into FM26 as superpowers; others as ambitious underdogs.
Superpowers
- Barcelona – Bonmatí, Putellas, Hansen. The world’s best.
- Lyon – Hegerberg, Renard, Katoto. Record UWCL winners.
- Chelsea – Sam Kerr, Lauren James. WSL giants.
- Bayern & Wolfsburg – German heavyweights.
Underdogs
- Aston Villa – Ambitious, led by Rachel Daly.
- Real Sociedad – Basque talent, outside shot at Europe.
- Eintracht Frankfurt – consistent European pushes.
- Paris FC – living in Lyon & PSG’s shadow, but growing.
- Gotham FC – exciting project in NWSL with an increasing profile.
Women’s Teams Outshining the Men
In some clubs, the women’s side has outshone their male counterparts.
| Club | Women’s Success | Men’s Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Lyon | UWCL record holders, D1 dominance | Mid-table Ligue 1 |
| Wolfsburg | Frauen-Bundesliga titles, UWCL winners | Mid-pack Bundesliga |
| Barcelona | Current European powerhouse | Rebuilding post-financial crisis |
| Chelsea | WSL dynasty under Emma Hayes | In chaos despite spending |
| Arsenal | Historic WSL & UWCL winners | Just returning to contention |
Star Players & Wonderkids
FM26 brings the biggest stars and the brightest prospects together.
Star Players
World-class talents who will define your FM26 saves from day one.
| Player | Club | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aitana Bonmatí | Barcelona | Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder |
| Sam Kerr | Chelsea | Lethal striker |
| Sophia Smith | Portland Thorns | Versatile forward |
| Khadija “Bunny” Shaw | Man City | Prolific No.9 |
| Caroline Graham Hansen | Barcelona | Elite winger |
Wonderkids
The rising stars who could become FM legends in your save.
| Player | Club | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Vicky López | Barcelona | 19 |
| Melchie Dumornay | Lyon | 22 |
| Linda Caicedo | Real Madrid | 20 |
| Mary Fowler | Man City | 22 |
| Jule Brand | Lyon | 22 |
See our full shortlist of Women’s Wonderkids: here
Transfers & Contracts
Transfers in the women’s game don’t mirror the men’s.
- Record fees are rare: anything around £1m is huge, not pocket change.
- Shorter deals: players move more often, so expect plenty of free transfers.
- Semi-pro bargains: hidden gems in lower tiers could transform your squad.
- Retention battles: keeping hold of your stars can be harder than signing new ones.
Gameplay Differences
Managing women’s football in FM26 feels familiar but not identical.
- Possession focus: build-up is slower and more deliberate, technical midfielders will shine.
- Width wins: overlapping full-backs and inverted wingers will create most chances.
- Set pieces: success will come from rehearsed routines, not just towering headers.
- Smaller squads: depth is limited, so youth players could become game-changers.
- Injuries: ACLs are more frequent – rotate and manage workloads carefully.
Beginners Checklist
Just getting started?
Quick History
A whistle-stop tour through key milestones in women’s football.
- 1881 – first recorded women’s match.
- 1921 – FA ban (lasted 49 years).
- 1991 – first Women’s World Cup.
- 2011 – WSL launched.
- 2025 – Football Manager adds women’s football.
Practical Tips
To succeed in women’s football, you’ll need to adjust your approach.
- Balance squad depth – injuries will hit hard.
- Recruit versatile players who can cover multiple roles.
- Use youth prospects early; they develop faster.
- Expect shorter contracts and more free agents.
Order FM26 & Support WFFM
If you plan to buy FM26, you can support WFFM at no extra cost by using our official Fanatical link.- Cheaper than Steam/Epic
- Includes beta access
- Supports new guides and resources on WFFM
A New Era Begins
FM26 isn’t just adding another database update, it’s opening the door to a whole new way of playing Football Manager. You’ll deal with smaller squads, shorter contracts, and different tactical styles. Games feel tighter, stars stand out more, and wonderkids break through earlier.
That’s what makes women’s football in FM so exciting: it’s familiar, but different. Your choices matter more, your squad balance is fragile, and every save has the potential to tell a story you couldn’t write in the men’s game.
So whether you’re lifting trophies with a Global Giant, battling for Europe with an Outside Contender, or building something brand new, FM26 gives you a whole new world to explore.
Got More Questions?
This guide is just the start. Women’s Football in FM is brand new, and we know there’ll be plenty of questions as you start playing.
If there’s something you’re unsure about – whether it’s leagues, transfers, tactics, or wonderkids – ask your questions in the comments or send them our way on Twitter/X.
We’ll keep updating our guides and FAQs as the community explores the game. Chances are, if you’re wondering about it, so is someone else.