Your Guide to the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga in FM26

LEAGUE FORMAT

The league runs from August / September to late May, with 14 teams. All clubs play all the others twice, home and away, for a 26-game season.

The league rewards consistency and tactical nuance. The champion - coined the Deutscher Meister - and runner-up secure UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification. The bottom 2 clubs are relegated to the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, and 2 teams from the second tier are promoted each season to replace them.

SQUAD BUILDING

Squad sizes are limited to 25 players. There is a homegrown player quota in place, which means teams must have at least 8 players classed as locally trained, meaning they have played 3 or more seasons in Germany before the age of 21. This means most clubs rely on a mix of experienced professionals bolstered by young players developed through academies.

While there is no firm limit on foreign players, blending domestic stars with international flair is the secret to team success.

TRADES AND TRANSFERS

The transfer system follows the traditional European calendar. The main summer window is July 1 to September 1 with a winter window in January. Transfers and free-agent signings are straightforward.

TOP TIPS TO MASTER THE FRAUEN BUNDESLIGA

• Scout young stars early: Top clubs continue to find wonderkids through German youth systems. Sign quality Under-19s before your rivals.
• Take advantage of free transfers: Free transfers are the norm with many clubs relying exclusively on expired contracts
• Invest in homegrown talent: Stay under registration and licensing limits by recruiting German-trained players
• Flexible strategies succeed: Expect to switch between back threes and back fours and exploit tactical nuances against different opposition

WHO TO MANAGE

VfL Wolfsburg

The league’s record winner, with 7 titles, Wolfsburg is German women's football royalty with an A-team and ruthless ambition. Can you bring them back to victory this season?

SGS Essen

Notorious for being incredible developers of talent through their academy and pathway, they have a reputation for producing disciplined young stars. They have the access to talent to help them punch above their weight, can you turn this struggling club into a rising star?

Union Berlin

A survival story, with the backing of passionate fans and relentless players. With outstanding average attendance in the second division, are you ready to turn them into a sensation in the first division?

FM26 offers you the chance to put your stamp on Germany's premier women's football league. It’s time for you to take on the challenge and step into the dugout. Let us know how you get on our socials @FootballManager.