From the Nations League to Glory – Can You Rewrite San Marino's Footballing
Future in Football Manager 2026?
San Marino. The landlocked microstate surrounded by Italy. A picturesque country of just over 30,000 people that has long been synonymous with footballing struggles. Often rooted to the lower reaches of FIFA’s rankings, the team is regularly seen as the ultimate underdog in international football.
Yet every so often, the “minnows of Europe” spring a surprise and defy expectations with gritty displays and positive results. Those moments are a reminder that narratives can be rewritten. Now, imagine taking that thread of hope and weaving the rest of the story yourself in Football Manager 2026. Welcome to the San Marino Challenge.
What Is the San Marino Challenge?
The San Marino Challenge is one of the most unique and demanding scenarios in Football Manager. It involves not only managing a club from the tiny republic or nearby system, but also steering its national team towards respectability and, ultimately, major tournament football. This dual challenge tests your managerial skills to the limit due to San Marino’s limited resources and player pool.
The Club Challenge
Your journey often begins in the lower echelons of Italian football with a team such as Victor San Marino. The goal?
- Earn promotion through the Italian leagues.
- Reach Serie A and compete in top-tier European football.
- Ultimately, chase continental honours at the highest level.
Alternatively, dive into the local scene by managing a team from the Sammarinese Football Championship, aiming for domestic supremacy and eventually recognition on the European stage.
Managing the National Team
The national-team strand involves taking San Marino, typically near the foot of the FIFA world rankings, to qualify for and compete at major tournaments. This demands exceptional youth development, tactical ingenuity, and plenty of patience.
Setting Up Your Challenge
To get started with the San Marino Challenge, you’ll want:
- Football Manager 2026 with an up-to-date database.
- Optional custom databases if you wish to deepen lower-league realism or add tiers that are not playable by default.
- A long-term plan for facilities, recruitment, and staffing.
Strategies for Success
Here are some strategies to consider:
- Focus on youth: Invest heavily in youth facilities, coaching, and recruitment from day one.
- Tactical flexibility: Be creative with shapes and roles to maximise limited attributes and physical profiles.
- Club-to-country pipeline: Use your club as a feeder for the national team, developing dual-eligible and domestic players who can raise the international standard.
Conclusion
The San Marino Club and Country Challenge is not just about winning; it’s about building a footballing legacy in one of the smallest nations on Earth. It’s a testament to patience, smart planning, and the joy of elevating an underdog onto the world stage. Are you ready to take on this colossal challenge?
