FIFA 22’s lifespan is drawing to a close, with gamers enjoying their last few months on one of the best editions in the series’ recent history. But as always, as one door closes, another one opens, and behind it awaits FIFA 23, which will be released at the end of September. The upcoming FIFA 23 title is going to be the most monumental instalment to the franchise in its almost 30-year history, and that’s for a number of reasons.
Why is FIFA 23 such a big deal?
First, the next edition of the soccer simulation will be the final video game that EA Sports releases under the household name “FIFA.” Both the Canadian company and World football’s governing body have chosen to sever ties by ceasing to renew their licensing deal. From FIFA 24 onwards, the games will be known as EA Sports FC. Another reason why anticipation has reached a fever pitch for this September’s release is the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The tournament is the pinnacle of global sports and billions of eyes will be on the Gulf State as they prepare to host football’s biggest party.
Football has been at the forefront of Esports for many a year, primarily thanks to the eWorld Cup. Back in 2010, around the time of the real-life World Cup in South Africa, almost two million players took part in the formerly named FIFA Interactive World Cup, which was won by Serbia’s Nenad Stojkovic. 12 years on and real-life European football clubs are investing in esports teams. We cannot wait to play the upcoming Qatar 2022 game mode in FIFA 23 and here are two teams we think you should lead to their first-ever World Cup crown.
Ghana
The continent of Africa has never had a World Cup winner. In fact, they have never seen a team reach the semifinals. Ghana were the team that came the closest back in 2010, however, the hand of Luis Suarez robbed them of the chance of reaching the final four in their home continent’s first-ever tournament as hosts. 12 years on, The Black Stars are out for revenge.
Otto Addo’s men have been drawn alongside their South American nemesis’ in Group H, and their December 2nd meeting will be the first time they have played against each other since that painful night in Johannesburg. With the match being the final game in the group stage – they will play against Portugal and South Korea before the final showdown – it’s highly likely that you will need a positive result to progress to the second round. And what better way to do it than vanquishing Uruguay in the process.
Admittedly Ghana aren’t the side they once were. Gone are the days of Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan, but with brothers Jordan and Andre Ayew, the Africans are still capable of producing moments of magic.
Belgium
Belgium’s golden generation have become somewhat of a meme in recent years. Similarly to England between 2002-2010, The Red Devils have underperformed, not reaching the lofty heights expected of them. Quarter-final exits at both Euro 2016 and Euro 2020, as well as at Brazil 2014 is not what the nation expected of them. Four years ago in Russia, they went one better in reaching the final four, but could not seal a place in the final, losing 1-0 to France courtesy of Samuel Umtiti’s second-half header.
Qatar will represent their generation of superstars’ final chance to win silverware. Romelu Lukaku (29), Kevin De Bruyne (30) and Eden Hazard (31) will all be on the wrong side of 30 when the World Cup comes to the Americas in 2026, and manager Roberto Martinez will be hoping that you can lead his side to victory in their last dance.
And if you are to take up this challenge, it won’t be easy. Admittedly, the group stage could have been more challenging but with Germany or Spain awaiting in the second round, the road to the final will be a long one.
