Designed to showcase a balance of tactical expertise and managerial skills that define the game, the inaugural FIFAe World Cup™ featuring Football Manager aims to create a groundbreaking format that seamlessly integrates into the esports world. The competition features an event with familiar faces from the community and conventional football, making the world of football management more accessible to fans of all backgrounds.

Tournament Format

The tournament is divided into a group stage and a knockout stage which will take place on the final day. The group stage will take place over four days and players will be drawn into groups to represent one club. The knockout stage with the best four players will be played in the fantasy draft mode.

Group Stage

The competition starts with a group stage where 20 players, nominated by different Member Associations (MAs), including a second pairing from the hosting country, will manage the same club in groups of five. This stage emphasizes long-term managerial strategy over multiple seasons. Players are evaluated and ranked based on league position, cup progress, and managerial ratings. Each club is set up identically to ensure equal starting conditions.

• Day 1 (Pre-Season): On 28 August, players configure their clubs and prepare for the first matchday.

• Day 2 (Season 1): On 29 August, players lead their clubs through the first season, completing it within three sessions of three hours each.

• Day 3 (Season 2): On 30 August, the second season follows the same format.

• Day 4 (Season 3): On 31 August, the third season concludes after the last matchday

Players have to give updates by holding official press conferences and interviews throughout each day, where they address feedback and answer critical questions from the media and the community.

Final Day (1 September)

The four group winners advance to the final day, where they'll compete in a Fantasy Draft format. They draft up to 25 players for their final squad, competing in two-legged semi-finals and a two-legged final to determine the FIFAe World Champion featuring Football Manager. This stage focuses on tactical skills in a high-pressure studio setup.

Ranking System and Community Involvement

The ranking system evaluates players managing the same club under identical conditions, considering league position, cup progress, and managerial performance, with extra points for major achievements. This ensures a fair and comprehensive evaluation of each manager's performance.

We have involved passionate players, esports experts, and industry professionals in developing this format. The communities feedback remains crucial for fine-tuning the ranking system. Together, we can build a competition that truly reflects the spirit of Football Manager.

For a more detailed overview of the tournament format, ranking system, and more click here.

You can also listen to FIFAe's Competition and Player Manager, Moritz Wörlein, explaining the competition format on Spotify.