Buy football games: find the right entertainment for your console, table or football night

Football games can meet very different needs: a simulation for the PlayStation 5, an action-packed game for Xbox, a table football game for playing together or a card game for a family evening. There is a wide range to choose from, but not every product suits every household.

Purchases often go wrong because of three common pitfalls:

• The platform and game format are confused: A physical Xbox version is not automatically compatible with an Xbox Series S, as this console does not have a disc drive.
• The space required is underestimated: A table football game measuring 140 × 75 cm and weighing 42 kg needs a permanent location and enough room to move around it.
• Outdoor accessories are bought without checking safety: With a football projector screen, stability, guy ropes, pegs and weather conditions are all crucial. A screen must not be used unsecured in wind, rain or near heat sources.

Which football games are right for each occasion?

Before buying, it is worth making a clear distinction:

• Football video games: Suitable for solo players, local multiplayer sessions or online matches.
• Football games for PS5 and Xbox: Check compatibility, disc format, age rating and online requirements.
• Table football and foosball tables: Ideal for regular use at home, in a games room or in a communal space.
• Football board games: Card and family games require little space and are quick to explain.
• Football toys: For children, the recommended age, material information and a stable design are important considerations.
• Football projector screen: For public viewing, garden parties and football nights, size, transport and secure fastening all matter.

Three technical criteria to consider before buying

1. Compatibility and game features

For console games, the platform must match your existing hardware exactly. A disc for the PlayStation 5 requires a compatible console with a disc drive. With Xbox games, you need to distinguish between Xbox One, Xbox Series X and the digital Xbox Series S.

The game modes also affect your choice. Football Manager 2026 PlayStation 5 is listed as an offline simulation for one player. According to the product information, an internet connection is not required to play. Wild Card Football, on the other hand, supports local multiplayer matches and online cross-play. Online features may require an active Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription.

2. Dimensions, weight and assembly

When choosing a foosball table, buyers should look beyond the playing surface. Important details include:

• Overall dimensions and height: The Carromco Football Table Black-Vitesse-XT measures 140 × 75 cm and is 89 cm high.
• Weight: At 42 kg, it is best placed in a permanent location.
• Stability: Adjustable feet help level the table on floors that are not completely even.
• Materials: The stated materials include 16-mm steel rods, MDF for the playing field and plastic handles.
• Assembly: Assembly is carried out using the supplied fitting kit and should be completed by adults.

Regularly tightening the screws and checking the rods can help keep the foosball table working properly in everyday use.

3. Space requirements and safety at group events

A portable screen needs to suit more than just your desired image size. For outdoor use, guy ropes, ground pegs and a firm, load-bearing surface are important. XBJ screens are supplied with fastening accessories and a carry bag. The 72-inch version is suitable for smaller areas, while a 100-inch screen needs more distance from the seating area and a sufficiently stable set-up.

Children should not pull on the screen or climb onto its stand. Plastic packaging must be kept out of their reach. The screen should not be used in strong winds, damp conditions or near naked flames.

Our selection by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Schmidt Spiele 78720 Family Games Ligretto, Football

Why this product suits this profile: This compact card game is designed for 2–6 players and needs neither a console nor batteries. With a stated playing time of around 10–15 minutes, it is ideal for quick rounds with family or friends.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its small footprint means you do not need to buy a large game table for a quick football round. The recommended age of 7 and over also makes it easier for families to choose.

Key benefit & strengths

2–6 players, no batteries required, compact dimensions of 10 × 10 × 6,8 cm.

Suitable for: Buyers seeking high quality

Carromco Football Table Black-Vitesse-XT

Why this product suits this profile: This foosball table is designed for households and communal spaces where it will be used regularly and there is room for a permanent game table.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify the dimensions, weight, materials, adjustable feet and ball returns. This makes it easier to assess the space required and assembly before buying.

Key benefit & strengths

22 players, 16-mm steel rods, manual goal counters, four balls and side ball returns.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent players

XBJ 100 Inch Portable Projector Screen with Stand

Why this product suits this profile: This portable screen is intended for football broadcasts, camping, garden parties and public viewing, provided it is set up safely and kept dry.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Guy ropes, six ground pegs and a carry bag are included according to the product details. This makes it easier to plan the set-up than with a screen that has no specified fastening accessories.

Key benefit & strengths

100-inch viewing area, foldable design, stand, guy ropes, ground pegs and carry bag.

Suitable for: Console players who enjoy short sessions

ORICO Wild Card Football - DE (PS5)

Why this product suits this profile: This 7-a-side arcade game offers solo, local multiplayer and online modes. More than 150 Wild Cards change the way the game plays, setting it apart from a traditional football simulation.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The platform, physical disc format, USK age rating of 6 and over, and available subtitles are clearly listed. For online matches, you should allow for additional subscription and internet requirements.

Key benefit & strengths

PS5 version, 7-a-side gameplay, local multiplayer option, online cross-play and German subtitles.

Football night buying checklist

Before placing your order, these questions can help:

1. Who will be playing? Solo players, two people, families and larger groups all need different formats.
2. Where will you play? For small flats, Ligretto Football and other football board games take up less space than a foosball table.
3. What equipment do you have? The console, disc drive, controllers, projector and, where applicable, internet access all need to work together.
4. How often will the product be used? A sturdy table model is worthwhile for regular matches, while a portable solution may be more practical for occasional events.
5. What age rating applies? Check the USK or manufacturer’s age recommendation against the children’s ages before buying.

Frequently asked questions about football games

Which football games are suitable for several people?

For quick rounds with family or friends, a card game such as Ligretto Football for 2–6 players is a good choice. A foosball table is suitable for two people or teams. On a console, titles with a local multiplayer mode allow you to play together on the same screen.

What should I consider when choosing a football projector screen?

Image size, space and fastening are the key factors. A 100-inch screen needs more distance and a sufficiently large, level surface than a smaller model. Outdoors, guy ropes and ground pegs should be used. The screen is not intended for use in rain or strong winds.

Do football video games always require an internet connection?

No. It depends on the specific title and game mode. According to the product details, Football Manager 2026 PlayStation 5 can be played offline. However, online multiplayer, updates or additional content may require an internet connection and, in some cases, a paid console subscription for other football games.