10 Underrated FM24 Nations Worth Managing

Explore 10 underrated FM24 nations worth managing for unique challenges, wonderkids, and tactical variety.

Discover hidden gems in FM24 by managing these underrated nations and uncovering exciting football challenges.

Looking for a fresh challenge in Football Manager 2024? Managing an underrated nation can offer unique experiences, untapped talent pools, and fresh tactical challenges. Whether you're after a hidden gem of a league, a chance to build a footballing dynasty, or an underdog story, these 10 nations provide a fantastic FM24 experience.

Why Manage an Underrated Nation?

It’s easy to jump into the usual suspects—England, Spain, Germany—but after a few saves, they can feel predictable. Managing in an underrated nation gives you:

• A fresh tactical challenge – Different styles of play, lower reputation clubs, and unfamiliar opponents mean you’ll need to adapt your tactics.
• Scouting goldmines – Some of these countries produce incredible wonderkids, but they often go unnoticed due to low scouting coverage.
• Long-term projects – Many of these leagues need infrastructure development, youth investment, or continental dominance.
• Bragging rights – There’s nothing better than turning a forgotten footballing nation into a powerhouse!

If you’re tired of the same old saves, consider one of these 10 underrated FM24 nations that deserve your attention.

1. Serbia – The Next Wonderkid Factory?

If you're a fan of youth development and scouting for hidden gems, Serbia is the perfect challenge. The Serbian league has no foreign player restrictions, allowing you to build a strong squad with both homegrown talent and imported stars.

Why manage in Serbia?

• Red Star Belgrade and Partizan produce insane youth prospects.
• Cheap wonderkids—Serbia is a goldmine for young talent.
• The league is easy to dominate, making it a great stepping stone for European competitions.

FM24 Challenge: Take a smaller club like Vojvodina or Čukarički and break the Red Star-Partizan duopoly.

2. Japan – Tactical Innovation & Unique Rules

Japan finally has a fully licensed J-League in FM24, making it the perfect time to dive in! With strict squad registration rules, emphasis on fitness, and high-tempo football, it’s a tactician’s dream.

Why manage in Japan?

• The J-League is technically gifted and requires smart squad building.
• Excellent facilities—Japanese clubs have some of the best training grounds in Asia.
• A stepping stone to managing Japan’s national team for the World Cup challenge.

FM24 Challenge: Can you turn an underdog like Avispa Fukuoka into the best club in Asia?

READ ALSO: TOP 4 Japanese Clubs to Manage in Football Manager 2024

3. Mexico – High-Scoring Chaos

The Liga MX offers an exhilarating challenge with fast-paced, high-scoring football. The two-stage season format (Apertura & Clausura) and playoff system make every campaign unpredictable.

Why manage in Mexico?

• The most exciting league in North America—goals galore!
• No relegation system, meaning you can build long-term without fear.
• Talented youth prospects—Mexico produces some top-tier wonderkids.

FM24 Challenge: Can you dethrone Monterrey and Club América with a mid-table side like Puebla?

READ ALSO: Top 5 FM24 Wonderkids From North America

4. Ukraine – Rebuilding a Football Nation

Managing in Ukraine is one of the toughest challenges in FM24. With a war-torn league and financial struggles, this is an emotional, rewarding long-term save.

Why manage in Ukraine?

• Historical clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv need rebuilding.
• Strong youth production—Ukraine has underrated regens with great potential.
• A true rebuild challenge—war disruptions make this a realistic underdog story.

FM24 Challenge: Rebuild Dynamo Kyiv and restore them as a European force.

5. South Korea – Asia’s Tactical Playground

The K-League is a hidden tactical gem, featuring well-organized teams and fast, high-intensity football. It also has one of the best work permit-friendly leagues—meaning foreign players can thrive here.

Why manage in South Korea?

• Exciting tactical battles—teams press aggressively and counter quickly.
• A great alternative to managing in Europe—can you dominate Asia instead?
• Financially stable clubs—most clubs are backed by big corporations.

FM24 Challenge: Make Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors an Asian superpower.

6. Norway – The Next Scandinavian Powerhouse?

Norway’s league may not have the global reputation of its neighbours, but it's filled with young talent and offers the chance to compete in Europe.

Why manage in Norway?

• Winter break league—unique scheduling keeps things fresh.
• No work permit issues, making recruitment easy.
• Perfect stepping stone to bigger European jobs.

FM24 Challenge: Take Bodø/Glimt or Molde to Champions League glory!

READ ALSO: Top 5 FM24 Scandinavian Wonderkids to Watch

7. Colombia – South America’s Most Fun League

Colombia’s two-stage format, rapid tactical shifts, and endless wonderkids make this league one of the most entertaining in FM24.

Why manage in Colombia?

• Endless talent—Colombia produces top-tier regens.
• Fast-paced, attacking football makes every match exciting.
• South American club competitions—can you win the Copa Libertadores?

FM24 Challenge: Restore Atlético Nacional to continental dominance.

8. Turkey – The Sleeping Giant of European Football

The Turkish Super Lig offers big clubs, passionate fans, and financial chaos. It’s the perfect place for a high-stakes managerial career.

Why manage in Turkey?

• European competition spots—chance to compete in the Champions League.
• Passionate fan bases—Turkish football culture is intense.
• Great domestic talent—the league has some top-class regens.

FM24 Challenge: Bring Trabzonspor back to the top of Turkish football.

READ ALSO: FM24 Sleeping Giants: 5 Epic Clubs to Transform into Football Powerhouses

9. Hungary – A Forgotten European Giant Ready to Rise

Hungary was once a footballing powerhouse in the mid-20th century, producing legends like Ferenc Puskás. While Hungarian football has faded in recent decades, FM24 offers a unique opportunity to revive the nation’s glory days.

Why manage in Hungary?

• Perfect stepping stone league – Hungarian clubs can qualify for the Champions League, giving you access to Europe's elite competitions.
• Developing talent – The country is slowly producing better regens, and with the right investment, you can build a top-tier academy.
• Ferencváros dominance – Can you challenge Ferencváros’ stranglehold on the league?

FM24 Challenge: Take Debreceni VSC or Puskás Akadémia and turn them into a European contender.

10. Slovakia – The Ultimate European Underdog Save

Slovakia is one of the lowest-ranked UEFA nations, making it a perfect long-term challenge. With limited resources and a small talent pool, turning a Slovak club into a European force is a real test of managerial skill.

Why manage in Slovakia?

• Extreme underdog challenge—winning in Europe will take years.
• Cheap but talented regens—great for a youth-based save.
• Potential Cinderella story—take a tiny club and conquer Europe.

FM24 Challenge: Take DAC Dunajská Streda to the Champions League!

Which Nation Will You Manage in FM24?

These 10 nations offer completely different Football Manager experiences. Whether you want a tactical puzzle, a scouting adventure, or a true underdog story, there’s a challenge here for everyone.

Have you tried managing in one of these leagues? Let me know your favourite underrated FM24 save in the comments!