The 2026 FIFA World Cup has gripped the United States of America. Alongside cities like Boston, New York has played its part in the feast of soccer, with Manhattan’s locals seeing waves of soccer supporters staying in nearby hotels and apartments they’ve rented. As a result, Americans are now fully aware of soccer’s global impact, leaving many eager to explore this beloved pastime in greater detail. For some, gaming is the perfect introduction.
With management games to dive into and accurate simulations to explore, it’s one of the best ways to learn about the beautiful game. Alongside playing lottery and scratchcard games in the evenings and diving into favorites like Candy Crush Saga on the subway, people with a fascination with soccer have some top gaming titles to consider exploring. You don’t need to be a soccer expert either, with many games offering tutorials and tips.
So, without further ado, below we highlight the variety of soccer-themed games Manhattan’s locals are playing following the unavoidable buzz around the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
EA Sports FC 26
A franchise that used to be known everywhere as FIFA, EA Sports FC 26 is essentially the same game that has just been rebranded. Offering glorious presentation and graphics many games in a similar vein struggle to replicate, this authentic soccer sim is almost irresistible. Ultimate Team is undoubtedly its main selling point, as players aim to build a roster of world-class players that are in sync and capable of triumphing over the game’s competitive online community. However, there are an array of other game modes to immerse yourself in, all while you learn the rules of the sport and gain an understanding of the biggest stars around.
Football Manager 26
Be it on mobile or on PC, Football Manager 26 is a gaming title soccer fans are fully aware of. In this accurate management simulation, players take charge of teams and face being sacked if things don’t go to plan. You can manage a Premier League club or a Spanish giant, all while attempting to uncover gems from obscure leagues, conducting press conferences ahead of highly anticipated clashes, and dealing with the board after a tough run of results. Also offering a strong tactical element, Football Manager 26 is fantastic.
Football Strike: Online Soccer
A thriving mobile game with a simple premise, in Football Strike: Online Soccer, gamers are tasked with either scoring a free kick from distance or saving a bullet strike. This striker vs. goalkeeper free-kick shootout isn’t the most intricate release on the list, but it’s perfect for mobile gamers who want a more casual soccer-themed product to dip in and out of.
Top Eleven Be Football Manager
A solid alternative to Football Manager 26, Top Eleven Be Football Manager is another management title, but with less detail attached. For newcomers to the sport who want a more basic release to dive into, the less daunting package available in Top Eleven Be Football Manager appeals. You can select a club to bring the glory days back to, all while having legendary boss Jose Mourinho to assist you with any tricky calls. With playing styles to implement and tokens to build up following magical wins, Top Eleven Be Football Manager is a top title to tackle.
Mini Football
Ending with another enticing option on mobile, Mini Football is a seriously charming release containing mini players in competitive miniature matches. With formations to nail and upgrades to make to teams and even stadiums, Mini Football is a fun release to play as you aim to climb leaderboards and silence your buddies.
