International management arrives in Football Manager 2026, featuring an official license for the FIFA World Cup™. Success on the international stage requires a different approach than club management, primarily due to the limited time spent with your squad.

1. Choose Your Entry Point

When starting a new save, you have two primary options for taking charge of your nation:

  • End of Season: Begin at the conclusion of the domestic European season. This allows you to select a 55-player preliminary squad before trimming it down to the final tournament roster.
  • Tournament Start: Take charge just days before the opening game, locking in with the official tournament rosters for an immediate start.

2. Optimize Match Preparation

Because international teams have limited training time, your focus must be precise. Review your Opposition Report to identify specific threats, then use the Match Preparation menu to target those weaknesses.

For example, if your upcoming opponent is strong in the air, focus your training on Set Pieces. If they possess a dominant midfield, implement a mid-block training session to disrupt their build-up play. You can also hire a dedicated Set Piece Coach to secure marginal gains that are often decisive in tournament settings.

3. Manage the National Pool

The National Pool functions similarly to a club's Recruitment Hub. Use the 'Player Discovery' view to track club form, scout ratings, and player expectations. This is essential for maintaining squad harmony, as it helps you identify which players will be content as backups and which expect regular starting minutes.

4. Use Scouting Focuses for Dual Nationality

If you are managing a smaller nation, use Scouting Focuses to identify talent. Ensure you have selected "include undeclared players" to find those eligible for your country who may be waiting for a call-up from a larger nation.

Once you find a player, right-click their profile and select 'Ask to Represent Nation.' You can add these players to your National Pool to track their progress, even if they have not yet committed to your squad.

5. Master the Squad Planner

The Squad Planner is now integrated directly into the squad selection screen. Use this to visualize your team depth and identify gaps before committing to your final 26-player roster. You can make adjustments to your plans and call up players directly from this interface, ensuring your final selection is balanced and ready for the FIFA World Cup™.