FC 26 Career Mode: 10 Most Interesting Teams to Manage

The latest edition of EA FC 26 Career Mode has added some much-needed touches, most notably the new manager market and live challenge system. These changes bring a fresh layer of immersion, but beneath the marketing polish, this is still the same Career Mode fans have known for years.

For newcomers and veterans alike, choosing a club to manage from hundreds of options can be overwhelming. While the new live challenge mode can help the indecisive, there's nothing like picking a side with history, drama, and potential for a unique long-term project. And if you want to give yourself an edge, many players look to stack resources early-some even choose to buy EAFC 26 Coins from eld.gg to help accelerate squad upgrades in Ultimate Team while balancing Career Mode fun.

10. AFC Ajax - A Sleeping Giant in Amsterdam

Ajax is one of Europe's most prestigious academies, but trophies have slipped away for three consecutive seasons. Last year's dramatic collapse, blowing a 10-point lead in the Eredivisie, has left the squad in disarray.

The roster is full of young promise-average age 23-but balancing wages and veterans like Klaasen, Berghuis, and Weghorst will test your squad management. The default 4-3-3 works well, but surviving Champions League giants like Real Madrid or PSG in the early seasons won't be easy.

9. Manchester United - The Tragicomedy Continues

Few rebuild jobs are as tempting as Manchester United. After Ruben Amorim's failure at Old Trafford, the team is stuck with talent but little tactical identity.

In FC 26, midfield dominance is crucial, and success hinges on getting the best out of Bruno Fernandes. The left side of the squad-Dorgu, León, and Amass-is full of potential but not yet Premier League-ready. Rebuilding United back into title contenders is one of Career Mode's biggest challenges.

8. Real Betis - The Cult Hero Squad

Betis boasts one of Europe's most likable squads, stacked with names once written off by big clubs: Antony, Lo Celso, Isco, and Bellerín. Together, they form a competitive side that can punch above its weight.

Your main challenge is rotation across multiple competitions and generating funds to replace ageing stars. If you lean into the squad's charisma and maximize Antony's resurgence, you can transform Betis into Seville's top dog.

7. RC Celta de Vigo - The Iago Aspas Show

At 37, Iago Aspas is still carrying Celta, both in real life and in FC 26 Career Mode. While the team's budget is modest, its balance allows flexible formations like a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3.

The difficulty is longevity. With Aspas nearing retirement, you'll need to future-proof the squad while making the most of his final seasons. Lean on Mingueza's crosses to Borja Iglesias to stay competitive while planning for life after Aspas.

6. Olympique Lyonnais - Fallen Kings of France

Once Ligue 1's dominant force, Lyon is now a shell of its former glory. Financial trouble left the club with a thin squad and limited star power, but plenty of energy.

With little beyond Corentin Tolisso to build around, you can either focus on youth development or hope for a financial takeover. Reviving Lyon into a PSG-slaying powerhouse is one of the most rewarding long-term saves you'll find.

5. Sunderland AFC - The Premier League Resurrection

From their infamous 2017 relegation to a financial overhaul, Sunderland's story is perfect for Career Mode. After splashing $200 million on talent, including veteran Granit Xhaka, Sunderland is back in the Premier League.

Your role is to stabilize them in the top half and push for Europe. With promising youngsters and an unpredictable league landscape, Sunderland offers a balanced mix of money and challenge.

4. Paris Saint-Germain - Treble or Bust

If you want instant star power, PSG is your club. Fresh off finally winning the Champions League, their squad is stacked-every outfield player rates 85 or higher.

The challenge isn't building; it's maintaining dominance. With riches to spare and a bench of young stars, anything short of the treble is failure. This is the save for managers who want immediate success with maximum pressure.

3. Paris FC - The Hipster's Alternative

For those who dislike PSG's glitz, Paris FC offers a grassroots alternative. Newly promoted to Ligue 1 after decades away, expectations are simple: survive.

With Kevin Trapp as your main star and a squad of mid-70s players, there's little room for error. Scraping by in the first season before gradually building into a mid-table competitor makes Paris FC the ultimate underdog save.

2. Sheffield Wednesday - The Championship's Grind

Sheffield Wednesday enters FC 26 Career Mode with one of the weakest squads in the league. Ageing midfielders Barry Bannan and Nathaniel Chalobah can't carry the burden alone, and the club's finances are dire.

Survival in the Championship is the immediate goal. If you can grind through multiple seasons and rebuild via youth players and free transfers, promotion will feel like the ultimate triumph.

1. Como 1907 - The Cesc Fàbregas Project

Under Cesc Fàbregas' guidance, tiny Como has risen to Serie A respectability. In Career Mode, they're a joy to play: a mix of exciting prospects like Nico Paz and Assane Diao, balanced by veterans Álvaro Morata and Sergi Roberto.

The attacking style suits FC 26's gameplay, but the real thrill lies in gradually transforming Como from a romantic fairytale to a European contender. Few saves combine personality, challenge, and potential as well as this one.

Final Thoughts

Career Mode in FC 26 may still carry much of its familiar DNA, but the new manager market and challenge modes make the journey more engaging. Whether you're rebuilding fallen giants like Manchester United, embracing chaos with Sheffield Wednesday, or guiding underdogs like Como to glory, there's no shortage of engaging stories to play out.

Whichever club you choose, FC 26 Career Mode offers the perfect blend of realism, drama, and fantasy. Just remember: board expectations can be cruel, so choose wisely before you commit to the long road ahead. And if you're also diving into Ultimate Team, don't forget that having enough FC 26 Coins makes squad-building far easier.