Explore 10 underrated FM24 nations worth managing for unique challenges, wonderkids, and tactical variety.
Discover hidden gems in FM24 by managing these underrated nations and uncovering exciting football challenges.
Looking for a fresh challenge in Football Manager 2024? Managing an underrated nation can offer unique experiences, untapped talent pools, and fresh tactical challenges. Whether you're after a hidden gem of a league, a chance to build a footballing dynasty, or an underdog story, these 10 nations provide a fantastic FM24 experience.
Why Manage an Underrated Nation?
It’s easy to jump into the usual suspects—England, Spain, Germany—but after a few saves, they can feel predictable. Managing in an underrated nation gives you:
- A fresh tactical challenge – Different styles of play, lower reputation clubs, and unfamiliar opponents mean you’ll need to adapt your tactics.
- Scouting goldmines – Some of these countries produce incredible wonderkids, but they often go unnoticed due to low scouting coverage.
- Long-term projects – Many of these leagues need infrastructure development, youth investment, or continental dominance.
- Bragging rights – There’s nothing better than turning a forgotten footballing nation into a powerhouse!
If you’re tired of the same old saves, consider one of these 10 underrated FM24 nations that deserve your attention.
1. Serbia – The Next Wonderkid Factory?
Why manage in Serbia?
- Red Star Belgrade and Partizan produce insane youth prospects.
- Cheap wonderkids—Serbia is a goldmine for young talent.
- The league is easy to dominate, making it a great stepping stone for European competitions.
FM24 Challenge: Take a smaller club like Vojvodina or Čukarički and break the Red Star-Partizan duopoly.
2. Japan – Tactical Innovation & Unique Rules
Why manage in Japan?
- The J-League is technically gifted and requires smart squad building.
- Excellent facilities—Japanese clubs have some of the best training grounds in Asia.
- A stepping stone to managing Japan’s national team for the World Cup challenge.
FM24 Challenge: Can you turn an underdog like Avispa Fukuoka into the best club in Asia?
3. Mexico – High-Scoring Chaos
Why manage in Mexico?
- The most exciting league in North America—goals galore!
- No relegation system, meaning you can build long-term without fear.
- Talented youth prospects—Mexico produces some top-tier wonderkids.
FM24 Challenge: Can you dethrone Monterrey and Club América with a mid-table side like Puebla?
READ ALSO: Top 5 FM24 Wonderkids From North America
4. Ukraine – Rebuilding a Football Nation
Why manage in Ukraine?
- Historical clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv need rebuilding.
- Strong youth production—Ukraine has underrated regens with great potential.
- A true rebuild challenge—war disruptions make this a realistic underdog story.
FM24 Challenge: Rebuild Dynamo Kyiv and restore them as a European force.
5. South Korea – Asia’s Tactical Playground
Why manage in South Korea?
- Exciting tactical battles—teams press aggressively and counter quickly.
- A great alternative to managing in Europe—can you dominate Asia instead?
- Financially stable clubs—most clubs are backed by big corporations.
FM24 Challenge: Make Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors an Asian superpower.
6. Norway – The Next Scandinavian Powerhouse?
Why manage in Norway?
- Winter break league—unique scheduling keeps things fresh.
- No work permit issues, making recruitment easy.
- Perfect stepping stone to bigger European jobs.
FM24 Challenge: Take Bodø/Glimt or Molde to Champions League glory!
READ ALSO: Top 5 FM24 Scandinavian Wonderkids to Watch
7. Colombia – South America’s Most Fun League
Why manage in Colombia?
- Endless talent—Colombia produces top-tier regens.
- Fast-paced, attacking football makes every match exciting.
- South American club competitions—can you win the Copa Libertadores?
FM24 Challenge: Restore Atlético Nacional to continental dominance.
8. Turkey – The Sleeping Giant of European Football
Why manage in Turkey?
- European competition spots—chance to compete in the Champions League.
- Passionate fan bases—Turkish football culture is intense.
- Great domestic talent—the league has some top-class regens.
FM24 Challenge: Bring Trabzonspor back to the top of Turkish football.
9. Hungary – A Forgotten European Giant Ready to Rise
Why manage in Hungary?
- Perfect stepping stone league – Hungarian clubs can qualify for the Champions League, giving you access to Europe's elite competitions.
- Developing talent – The country is slowly producing better regens, and with the right investment, you can build a top-tier academy.
- Ferencváros dominance – Can you challenge Ferencváros’ stranglehold on the league?
FM24 Challenge: Take Debreceni VSC or Puskás Akadémia and turn them into a European contender.
10. Slovakia – The Ultimate European Underdog Save
Why manage in Slovakia?
- Extreme underdog challenge—winning in Europe will take years.
- Cheap but talented regens—great for a youth-based save.
- Potential Cinderella story—take a tiny club and conquer Europe.
FM24 Challenge: Take DAC Dunajská Streda to the Champions League!
Which Nation Will You Manage in FM24?
These 10 nations offer completely different Football Manager experiences. Whether you want a tactical puzzle, a scouting adventure, or a true underdog story, there’s a challenge here for everyone.
Have you tried managing in one of these leagues? Let me know your favourite underrated FM24 save in the comments!
