Let me tell you something – there’s nothing more frustrating than firing up Football Manager 26, ready to lead your favorite team to glory, only to find out they’re called something ridiculous like “Blu-Neri” instead of Inter Milan. I’ve been there, and it absolutely kills the immersion. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to getting real club and tournament names in Football Manager 26.
When I first started playing FM26, I couldn’t believe that in 2026, we’re still dealing with licensing issues that prevent us from seeing authentic team names. I mean, come on – it’s 2026 and I’m supposed to manage “Casciavit” instead of AC Milan? That’s just not right. So I spent hours researching and testing different methods to bring back the real names, and I’m sharing everything I learned with you.
Why You Need the Real Names Fix in FM26?
Before we dive into the how-to, let me explain why this fix is absolutely essential for your Football Manager 26 experience. When I installed the real names fix, it completely transformed my gameplay. Suddenly, I wasn’t just managing some fake team – I was leading Real Sociedad, not “Real San Sebastian.” I was competing in La Liga EA Sports, not “First Division.”
The licensing issues in Football Manager 26 affect several key areas:
- Italian clubs: Teams like AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Lazio appear with fake names
- Spanish clubs: Many teams have altered names that don’t reflect reality
- Brazilian teams: Often show up with three-letter abbreviations instead of full names
- Tournament names: Major competitions like Champions League have generic names
- German national team: Might be locked or have fake player names
Trust me, playing with real names makes the game so much more immersive. When I see “Manchester United” instead of some fake name, it just hits different. The emotional connection to your club is stronger, and the whole experience feels more authentic.
Top Sources for FM26 Real Names Fix
Based on my extensive research, I’ve found several reliable sources for the real names fix. Here’s my breakdown of the best options:
| Source | Reliability | Ease of Use | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passion4FM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Comprehensive coverage, regular updates | Beginners & advanced users |
| FM Scout | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Extremely detailed, technical | Users who want full control |
| Sortitoutsi | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | User-friendly, well-organized | Quick installation |
| Operation Sports | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Clear instructions | Step-by-step guidance |
| Football Gaming Zone | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Multiple platform support | Console & PC users |
I personally recommend starting with Passion4FM’s fix because it’s the most comprehensive and regularly updated. When I used their fix, everything worked perfectly on the first try.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s exactly how I installed the real names fix on my system, and how you can do it too. I’ll cover all major platforms because I know not everyone plays on Steam.
Before You Start
First things first – close Football Manager 26 completely. I learned this the hard way when my first installation attempt failed because I left the game running. Trust me, save yourself the headache and close the game first.
Finding Your Installation Folder
This is where things get a bit technical, but don’t worry – I’ll walk you through it. The location depends on where you bought the game and what platform you’re using.
For Steam Users (Windows)
The path you need is:Line Wrapping
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Football Manager 26\shared\data\database\db\2600\
When I first looked for this, I got confused by all the folders. Just follow the path exactly as I’ve written it, and you’ll find the right place.
For Steam Users (Mac)
Mac users have it a bit trickier, but I got it working on my MacBook too:Line Wrapping
/Users/[your-username]/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/Football Manager 26/fm.app/Contents/PlugIns/game_plugin.bundle/Contents/Resources/shared/data/database/db/2600/
Pro tip: If you can’t see the Library folder, press CMD + Shift + G in Finder and type “~/Library” to get there.
For Epic Games Users
If you bought FM26 on Epic Games, here’s where you need to go:Line Wrapping
C:\Program Files\Epic Games\FootballManager26\shared\data\database\db\2600\
For Game Pass Users
For those playing through Game Pass:Line Wrapping
Xboxgames\Football Manager 26\shared\data\database\db\2600
The Installation Process
Now that you’ve found your folder, here’s exactly what I did to get real names working:
Step 1: Download the Real Names Fix
I downloaded the Passion4FM real names fix, but you can use any of the sources I mentioned earlier. Just make sure you’re getting it from a reputable site – there are some sketchy downloads out there that could mess up your game.
Step 2: Navigate to the lnc Folder
Once you’re in the 2600 folder, look for the “lnc” folder and open it. Inside, you’ll find an “all” subfolder. This is where the magic happens.
Step 3: Remove the Fake Name Files
This is crucial. You need to delete the following files from the “all” folder:
ac milan (wom).lncacc Inter unlic 26.lncacmilan unlic 26.lncfake.lncinter (wom).lncinter unlic 26.lncjapanese names.lnclazio (wom).lnclic_dan_swe_fra.lnclicensing club name_fm26.lncmen lazio.lncmen.atalanta.lnc
When I first did this, I was nervous about deleting files, but trust me – these are exactly the files that cause the fake names to appear.
Step 4: Add the Real Names Files
Now, take the files from your downloaded real names fix pack and copy them into the same “all” folder. The main files you’ll need are usually called something like:
FM26 Fix by [Source].lncFM26 Club Names by [Source].lnc
Step 5: Clean Up Other Folders
Go back to the 2600 folder and navigate to the edt > permanent folder. Delete the fake.edt file here.
Then go to the dbc > permanent folder and delete these files:
1_japan_removed_clubs.dbcbrazil_kits.dbcengland.dbcforbidden names.dbcfrance.dbcjapan_fake.dbcjapan_unlicensed_random_names.dbcj league non player.dbclicensing_post_data_lock.dbclicensing2.dbclicensing26.dbcnetherlands.dbc
Finally, go to the language folder and delete:
Licensing2.dbcLicensing2_chn.dbc
Step 6: Launch and Enjoy
Now, start up Football Manager 26 and voila! You should see all the real names. When I first did this and saw “Real Madrid” instead of some fake name, I was honestly thrilled.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
I ran into a few issues when I first installed the real names fix, so let me share how I solved them:
Brazilian Clubs Still Show Three-Letter Names
This is a common one. If your Brazilian clubs are still showing abbreviations like “FLA” instead of “Flamengo,” you need to start a new save game. The Brazilian club names fix only works with new games because of how the game’s database is structured.
Some Names Still Appear Fake During Setup
Don’t panic if you still see some fake names when you’re setting up your career. I noticed this too, but once I actually started playing, the names corrected themselves. It’s weird, but that’s how FM26 works.
Game Crashes After Installation
If your game starts crashing after installing the fix, you probably missed deleting some files or put the new files in the wrong place. I’d recommend going back through the steps carefully and making sure you’ve deleted all the right files and put the new ones in exactly the right folders.
Console Edition Limitations
Unfortunately, if you’re playing on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or Nintendo Switch, you’re out of luck. The real names fix only works on PC because console versions don’t support mods. I wish this wasn’t the case, but that’s just how it is right now.
What the Real Names Fix Actually Changes?
I was amazed at how comprehensive the real names fix is. Here’s everything it changes:
Club Names
- Italian clubs: AC Milan, Inter Milan, Lazio, and others get their real names
- Spanish clubs: Teams like Real Sociedad, Athletic Club, and others are corrected
- Portuguese clubs: Removes abbreviations (BRG becomes Braga)
- Brazilian clubs: Full names instead of three-letter codes
- French clubs: Authentic names throughout Ligue 1 and 2
- Many others: Clubs from Albania, Serbia, and other countries are corrected
Competition Names
- Spanish league: Changes from “First Division” to “La Liga EA Sports”
- Italian leagues: Proper Serie A and Serie B names
- European competitions: Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League
- International tournaments: Copa Libertadores, AFC Champions League, etc.
- Domestic cups: FA Cup, Copa del Rey, DFB-Pokal, and others
Stadium Names
- Spanish stadiums: Spotify Camp Nou, Santiago Bernabéu
- Scandinavian stadiums: Strawberry Arena and others
- Many more: Stadiums throughout Europe get their real names
Awards
- Player awards: Golden Boot, Ballon d’Or, and others
- Manager awards: Manager of the Month, Manager of the Year
- Team awards: Fair Play awards and others
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve got the basic real names fix working, there are a few more things I discovered that can enhance your experience even further:
Custom Name Changes
If you disagree with any of the names in the fix, you can actually change them yourself. I found this incredibly useful for some niche teams that I follow. Just open the .lnc file in a text editor like Notepad, search for the name you want to change, and edit it directly. Save the file and restart FM26, and your changes will be applied.
Combining with Other Mods
The real names fix works great with other mods like face packs, logo packs, and trophy packs. I’m currently using it with the Sortitoutsi face pack and logo pack, and the combination makes the game look incredibly professional and authentic.
Regular Updates
Remember that whenever Football Manager 26 gets an update, you’ll need to reinstall the real names fix. The update usually changes the database folder number (from 2600 to 2601, etc.), so you’ll need to repeat the process in the new folder. I keep a bookmark of the installation guide so I can quickly reference it when updates drop.
Why This Matters for Your FM26 Experience?
I want to emphasize just how much of a difference the real names fix makes. When I first started playing FM26 without the fix, something felt off. Managing “Blu-Neri” just didn’t have the same emotional impact as managing Inter Milan. But once I installed the fix, everything clicked into place.
There’s something psychologically powerful about seeing the real names. When I see “Manchester United” on my screen, I’m not just managing a team – I’m managing one of the biggest clubs in the world. When I’m competing in the “UEFA Champions League” instead of some generic “European Cup,” the stakes feel higher.
This isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about immersion. The real names make the game feel more authentic, more real, and ultimately more enjoyable. I’ve found myself more invested in my saves since installing the fix, and I think you will too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the installation take?
From my experience, the whole process takes about 10-15 minutes if you follow the steps carefully. The first time I did it, it took longer because I was being cautious, but now I can do it in under 10 minutes.
Will this affect my saved games?
Good news! The real names fix works with existing saved games. I tested this on several of my saves, and the names updated correctly without any issues. The only exception is Brazilian clubs, which require a new save game.
Is this safe to use?
Absolutely. I’ve been using real names fixes for years without any issues. The files just change text names – they don’t alter any game mechanics or save files. Just make sure you download from reputable sources like the ones I mentioned.
Do I need to reinstall after every game update?
Yes, unfortunately. Whenever FM26 gets an update, you’ll need to reinstall the real names fix in the new database folder. It’s a bit annoying, but it only takes a few minutes once you know what you’re doing.
Can I use this with other mods?
Definitely! I’m currently using the real names fix alongside face packs, logo packs, and trophy packs. They all work together perfectly to create a much more authentic experience.
What if I mess up the installation?
Don’t worry! If you accidentally delete the wrong files or put something in the wrong place, you can always verify your game files through Steam or Epic Games to restore everything to default. Then you can start over with the installation.
Final Thoughts
Installing the real names fix in Football Manager 26 is, in my opinion, absolutely essential for getting the most authentic experience possible. I can’t imagine playing FM26 without it now – the difference is just that significant.
When I see “Real Madrid” instead of some fake name, when I’m competing in the actual “UEFA Champions League,” when I’m managing at “Spotify Camp Nou” – that’s when Football Manager truly comes alive for me. The immersion is so much deeper, the emotional connection to my club is stronger, and the overall experience is just better.
I hope this guide has helped you understand how to get real club and tournament names in Football Manager 26. If you run into any issues or have questions, feel free to ask in the comments. And don’t forget to bookmark this guide for when the next FM26 update drops – you’ll thank me later!
Now go forth and enjoy Football Manager 26 the way it was meant to be played – with real, authentic names that make the beautiful game even more beautiful.
Want more Football Manager 26 tips and tricks? Check out our other gaming guides for everything you need to dominate the virtual pitch!