Games like Soccer Manager 2026

The Squirrel's verdictFM2022 is a deep PC and Mac simulation with tactical systems, staff management, youth scouting, and full league structures that reviewers from other sports management franchises describe as unparalleled in depth. No microtransaction currency gates transfers or agent fees. Median playtime is around 438 hours. Common criticism is that annual releases produce incremental changes that do not justify a full new-title price.

Not for you if you expect meaningful year-on-year innovation or want a noticeably updated match engine rather than a familiar simulation with a refreshed database.

The Squirrel's verdictFM2020 is a full PC and Mac management simulation covering transfers, scouting, tactics, and board management across complete seasons. No currency layer gates agent fees or squad moves. Progression is paywalled only by the base purchase, not in-game transactions. Median playtime is around 484 hours. Reviewers flag match engine inconsistencies and scripted results as recurring frustrations.

Not for you if you want quick mobile-style sessions or find deep match engine simulation frustrating rather than rewarding.

The Squirrel's verdictGrid-based tactical control over every play is what separates FTG from Soccer Manager 2026's spectator-style match simulation. You move individual players on a pitch each turn rather than watching a result resolve. Signing, selling, and developing players is still present, but the on-pitch phase is closer to a turn-based puzzle than a management sim. Reviews note a steep early learning curve.

Not for you if you prefer matches to resolve automatically rather than directing every player position each turn.

The Squirrel's verdictFM2020 Touch reduces the full FM2020 feature set to a more streamlined PC and Mac experience, with a development center for youth progression and a five-season planning system reviewers highlight as standout features. No gold-bar or in-app currency gates squad decisions, though real-money injury recovery options are reported. Median playtime is around 172 hours — lighter than FM2020 but still a time-consuming sim.

Not for you if you want a lightweight session or a match engine free of injury-system complaints that reviewers describe as persistent across editions.

The Squirrel's verdictNew Star Manager runs on a card-based decision system and mouse-only match control rather than full tactical menus, making each choice feel more discrete than conventional management sims. It is a one-time $19.99 purchase on PC with no reported microtransactions, unlike Soccer Manager 2026's gold-bar agent-fee model. Median playtime sits around 48 hours. Reviewers describe it as arcade-paced but with genuine consequences for board, fan, and player satisfaction.

Not for you if you want deep tactical granularity or full squad control rather than a card-driven, arcade-paced management system.

The Squirrel's verdictSame football-management core: squad building, transfers, match simulation. WE ARE FOOTBALL 2024 adds stadium management, Steam Workshop mods for real names/teams, and a built-in editor, running on PC only with no microtransaction currency gating agent fees. Suits managers who want deeper club-building scope and community content over Soccer Manager 2026's mobile-first interface.

Not for you if you need transfer negotiations with more depth than basic offer/accept, since reviewers call that system underdeveloped.

The Squirrel's verdictWE ARE FOOTBALL shifts the management focus toward club-level decisions over individual player training, with timed multiple-choice events replacing some conventional menu navigation. It is a flat $24.99 with no in-app currency. Match viewing is limited — reviewers note you only see the player on the ball, not the full team shape. Median playtime is around 58 hours.

Not for you if you want to see your full team's shape during matches or find timed, reading-speed decision prompts stressful rather than engaging.