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Managing mid-table or forgotten football clubs to glory is a key USP of Football Manager 2026. Since it is easier to manage the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, gamers are always on the lookout for a challenge. These are mostly the teams with past glory or with recent success and a decent purse, so that there is enough space to bring in new faces.This article explores certain teams that have a great legacy but are currently nowhere near the performance of their glory days. Read on to learn more.Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinion. From top-tier clubs to teams from the women's leagues: The best clubs to manage in Football Manager 2026Since Football Manager is also partnered with women's leagues this year, we have thrown in a few teams from the women's division into the mix. Check out the best clubs to manage in FM 26:1) Bayer LeverkusenBayer Leverkusen can give a kickstart to your career (Image via Sports Interactive)Ever since Xavi Alonso left, Bayer Leverkusen's management has faced some turbulence trying to find a new stable manager. This might be a great time to take charge of this German club and lead it back to its recent glory days. With its recent success in mind, the board may not mind spending a few dollars to bring in quality prospects for the team.Also read: Best CBs to sign in Football Manager 20262) London City LionessesWomen's football is becoming a part of FM 26 (Image via Sports Interactive)The London City Lionesses is the first non-affiliated club to achieve promotion last season, and in Football Manager 2026, you will get the chance to coach these fierce ladies to glory. The management has been very busy during the last transfer window, adding elite talents to the squad. That means you will have a strong team at your disposal, and the players are prepared for a first-division debut.Also read: Best wonderkids to sign in FM 263) Girondins de BordeauxTry to bring Bordeaux back to the French league first division (Image via Friends Interactive)Long gone are the days when Bordeaux used to be a big name in French football. Once home to players like Zinedin Zidane, Bixente Lizarazu, and others, Bordeaux currently finds itself in the lower divisions of the French league. Since rebuilding keeps most fans glued to the game, this team can be a great stepping stone to start your managerial career in Football Manager 2026.Also read: Best midfielders in FM 264) Arsenal women's teamArsenal Women's team can help you get instant success (Image via Sports Interactive)Arsenal's women's team is also a great place to start if you want to coach the ladies first. It's been quite some time since the Arsenal women managed to conquer Europe, and they have been sort of overshadowed by the recent domination of Chelsea's women's team in the league. Train the stars to help them reclaim the respect they deserve.Also read: Best strikers in FM 265) AC MilanAC Milan is another top team to manage in Football Manager 2026 (image via Sports Interactive)The Italian giants are also a great place to begin your managerial career. The Rossoneri are one of the most formidable European sides of the nineties. However, they are nowhere near the domination they used to show during their golden generation. You get to experience an impressive set of fans and get to coach players like Rafael Leao, Mike Maignan, Luka Modric, and more.Also read: Best goalkeepers in FM 26While this list does not include teams from Spain and England, there are quite a few that you can pick from those countries' leagues. Sunderland and Crystal Palace are two of the great teams from England that you can manage. If you want to coach someone else, you can also opt for teams like Vigo, Villareal, Getafe, etc.
