Discover the hardest Football Manager 2026 challenges that will test your
skills, strategy, and patience, from iconic saves to ultimate long-term
goals.
When was the last time you felt truly tested in Football Manager? FM26 is packed with potential for those who crave the thrill of an uphill battle. Forget easy saves — these challenges will push your tactical skills, patience, and creativity to their limits. If you're ready to dive into the deep end, here are the six hardest challenges you can embark on in FM26.
1. The Sir Alex Ferguson Challenge
This iconic challenge lets you step into the shoes of one of football’s greatest managers. Just like Sir Alex Ferguson, you’ll take over a club deep in relegation trouble. Run your save until 6 November, take control of the team sitting in 19th place, and replicate Ferguson’s incredible turnaround. The long-term goal? To match or surpass Sir Alex’s legendary haul of 13 league titles, 5 FA Cups, and 2 Champions League trophies. You’ll likely be managing a club far smaller than Manchester United, which makes this challenge even more gripping. It’s not just about the trophies — it’s about proving that you can rise from the bottom to dominate for decades.
READ MORE: Sir Alex Ferguson Challenge Setup
2. The Pentagon Challenge
The Pentagon Challenge is the Everest of Football Manager saves. Your objective is to win the top continental trophy in each of the five continents: Europe, South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. Start unemployed, with no badges and only a Sunday League footballer’s reputation. Begin your journey wherever the game lands you — perhaps in South Africa or Asia to build your reputation before tackling tougher leagues. This save is not just about winning — it’s about exploring the depths of FM26’s global database. Managing in obscure leagues, adjusting to different tactical trends, and eventually lifting your fifth continental trophy feels like the ultimate achievement.
READ MORE: Football Manager - Pentagon Challenge [EXPLAINED]
3. The San Marino Challenge
For those seeking the ultimate test of patience and long-term planning, the San Marino Challenge awaits. Your dual objective is to take Victor San Marino to Serie A and build a dominant youth academy while simultaneously improving the national team’s ranking. Balancing club and country is no easy feat, especially when your squad is limited by the small pool of eligible players. Convincing dual-nationality players to pledge their allegiance to San Marino will be key. Only by improving the club’s facilities and nurturing local talent can you hope to turn San Marino into a footballing powerhouse.
READ MORE: The Ultimate San Marino Challenge
4. The Director of Football Challenge
How well can you handle being hands-off? In the Director of Football Challenge, you delegate all transfer decisions, contract renewals, and scouting to your Director of Football. Your sole focus will be on tactics, training, and matchday decisions. This challenge forces you to adapt to whatever squad you’re handed, rather than building your dream team. Choose a club with a competent Director of Football — think RB Salzburg or Sevilla — and see how far you can go. Success here is about proving that your tactical mind can overcome even the most frustrating transfer blunders.
READ MORE: 5 Clubs With Transfer Restrictions
5. The Home-Grown Hipster Challenge
This challenge is as rewarding as it is restrictive. Take over any club and commit to using only home-grown players. While this can include foreign players developed at your club, the spirit of the challenge encourages sticking to local talent. The real difficulty comes when managing in countries like England, where foreign players dominate and local talent comes at a premium price. Stockpiling young talent early on will be essential. Can you take your club to the pinnacle of your nation’s league using nothing but home-grown heroes?
READ MORE: 7 Clubs with Elite Youth Academies
6. Beating the Big Brother
There’s nothing sweeter than taking down a bigger rival, and that’s exactly what this challenge is all about. Take charge of a smaller club overshadowed by a much wealthier and more successful neighbour, and eventually surpass them in the league. Clubs like FC United of Manchester or Paris FC are ideal for this challenge. Work your way through the lower leagues, earn promotion, and prove that the underdog can triumph over the giant. The ultimate goal? Overtake your rival in the league standings, establish dominance, and become the pride of your city.
READ NEXT: Huge List of Challenges [33] and Save Ideas for FM24
Conclusion
Each of these FM26 challenges offers a unique way to experience the game, turning every match and transfer into a crucial piece of a larger narrative. Whether you’re revitalising a fallen giant, conquering continents, or transforming San Marino into a footballing powerhouse, these saves will test your creativity, patience, and determination.
So, which challenge will you tackle first? Share your progress and stories in the comments — we’d love to hear how your journey unfolds. Whatever you choose, one thing is certain: these challenges will keep you hooked on FM26 like never before.
Happy managing, and good luck!
