Scratch Your Soccer Management Itch with SEGA Football Club Champions 2026 on PS5, PS4 1

Free-to-play soccer management game SEGA Football Club Champions 2026 will make its debut on the PS5 and PS4 from 22nd January, SEGA has announced.

This game is not to be confused with Football Manager 26 Console, which is also published by SEGA, somewhat bizarrely. It will be using the same engine and technology as Sports Interactive’s series, however.

Instead, this is actually a continuation of a long-running Japanese franchise named Saka Tsuku, or Let’s Make a Soccer Team.

That series started life on the SEGA Saturn, but later received entries on the PS2. It most recently released on the PS3 and PS Vita back in 2013.

It’s worth noting this game will be completely free-to-play. It’ll also support crossplay across various devices, so you’ll be able to continue your progress from the PlayStation versions on PC and mobile.

The official blurb reads:

“Become the manager of your club and bring your team from hometown heroes to global superstars. The beloved soccer club management simulation game from Japan Saka Tsuku is here for global players with its latest version! Celebrate 30 years of passion and strategy in this iconic title brought to you by SEGA!”

We’re not sure how the monetisation will work just yet, but the release seems fairly robust, with deep tactical flexibility, the ability to develop training facilities, and rich scouting features.

Is this the kind of spreadsheet simulator you can get behind? Sign a superstar in the comments section below.