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Is FIFA 23 in Egypt? A Deep Dive for Egyptian Football Fans

Yes, FIFA 23 is available for purchase and play in Egypt. Egyptian gamers can access the game on various platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Stadia. While the game is accessible, there are a few nuances regarding its content and the Egyptian national team’s presence within it. Let’s explore these aspects in detail.

The Availability and Appeal of FIFA 23 in Egypt

FIFA, now EA Sports FC, has always been a massively popular franchise in Egypt, mirroring the global passion for football. The game offers a virtual space where fans can engage with their favorite teams and players, create dream squads, and compete in various modes. The absence of the Egyptian national team in FIFA 23 has been a point of disappointment for many Egyptian fans, particularly given the nation’s rich football history and the presence of global superstar Mohamed Salah. However, this hasn’t diminished the game’s overall popularity in the country. Egyptians still enjoy playing with international teams, building their Ultimate Team squads, and participating in online leagues.

The Absence of the Egyptian National Team: A Closer Look

One of the major reasons the Egyptian national team isn’t present in FIFA 23 (and often isn’t in recent editions) boils down to licensing agreements. EA Sports secures licensing deals with various football federations and leagues to include their teams and players accurately within the game. If an agreement isn’t reached with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), the national team cannot be officially included. This means you won’t find the officially licensed Egyptian squad or players in modes like Kick-Off or Career Mode when selecting national teams.

The Salah Factor: A Missed Opportunity

The absence of Mohamed Salah, one of the world’s best players and an Egyptian icon, from the base game’s national team roster is a particularly sore point for Egyptian fans. However, it’s crucial to remember that even if Egypt had qualified for the 2022 World Cup, Salah’s presence in the specific World Cup mode would have been dependent on separate licensing agreements tied to the tournament itself. He still appears for his club, Liverpool, which is usually licensed in the game.

Navigating Around the Absence: Workarounds and Alternatives

Despite the lack of the official national team, Egyptian players can still find ways to represent their country within FIFA 23.

Ultimate Team: While you won’t find the officially licensed Egyptian national team, you can build a squad featuring Egyptian players who play for licensed clubs around the world. You can assemble a team around Mohamed Salah and other Egyptian players who are part of licensed club teams.
Career Mode (Create-a-Club): FIFA 23 allows you to create your own club and customize everything from the team name and crest to the stadium and kits. This provides an opportunity to create an Egyptian-themed club and play in Career Mode.
Custom Rosters (PC): On the PC version, players can download and install custom rosters created by the FIFA community. These rosters often include updated teams and players that are not officially included in the game, including an unofficial Egyptian national team.

The Continued Popularity of FIFA (Now EA Sports FC) in Egypt

Despite the challenges related to licensing, FIFA 23 (and now EA Sports FC 24) remains hugely popular in Egypt. The passion for football in the country is immense, and the game offers an accessible way for fans to connect with the sport. The Ultimate Team mode, with its card collecting and squad-building aspects, is particularly popular, allowing players to create their dream teams and compete online. The ability to play with global stars and participate in virtual leagues provides a compelling experience for Egyptian gamers.

The dedication of the gaming community to games like FIFA and EA Sports FC shows the importance of exploring how video games can enhance learning and foster a sense of community. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) investigate the intersection of games, learning, and social impact.

FIFA 23 FAQs: Addressing Common Questions from Egyptian Players

Here are some frequently asked questions specific to FIFA 23 in Egypt:

1. Can I play as the Egyptian national team in FIFA 23?

No, the officially licensed Egyptian national team is not included in FIFA 23.

2. Why isn’t Egypt in FIFA 23?

The primary reason is the lack of a licensing agreement between EA Sports and the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).

3. Can I still play with Mohamed Salah in FIFA 23?

Yes, you can play with Mohamed Salah in FIFA 23 as he plays for Liverpool, which is a licensed club in the game. He will be available in the game to be used as a Liverpool player in modes such as Kick-Off, Career Mode, and Ultimate Team.

4. Is FIFA 23 expensive in Egypt?

The price of FIFA 23 in Egypt varies depending on the platform and retailer. It’s generally comparable to the cost of other AAA games in the region. Online retailers such as Noon and Amazon can offer competitive prices, as can local electronics stores.

5. Can I download FIFA 23 digitally in Egypt?

Yes, FIFA 23 can be downloaded digitally on PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Steam (for PC), and other digital distribution platforms.

6. Is there an Arabic version of FIFA 23?

FIFA 23 includes Arabic commentary and menus, making the game more accessible for Arabic-speaking players.

7. Will Egypt be in future FIFA (EA Sports FC) games?

Whether Egypt will be included in future EA Sports FC games depends on whether EA Sports can reach a licensing agreement with the EFA.

8. Can I create an Egyptian player in Career Mode?

Yes, you can create a player of any nationality, including Egyptian, in Career Mode and guide their career.

9. Are there any Egyptian leagues in FIFA 23?

No, the Egyptian Premier League is not included in FIFA 23.

10. Can I use custom kits and badges to represent Egypt in Ultimate Team?

Yes, you can customize your Ultimate Team with custom kits and badges to represent Egypt or any other country you choose.

11. Is FIFA 23 region-locked in Egypt?

No, FIFA 23 is generally not region-locked. You can purchase and play the game regardless of your location. However, note that the international version may differ slightly in age ratings or labeling.

12. Where can I buy FIFA 23 in Egypt?

FIFA 23 is available at major electronics retailers, gaming stores, and online marketplaces like Noon and Amazon in Egypt.

13. Is there a big FIFA community in Egypt?

Yes, there is a large and active FIFA community in Egypt, with many online forums, social media groups, and local tournaments.

14. Is FIFA 23 still worth buying if Egypt isn’t in it?

Many Egyptian players still find FIFA 23 worth buying because of the Ultimate Team mode, the gameplay experience, and the ability to play with other licensed teams and players.

15. How does EA Sports FC 24 compare to FIFA 23 in Egypt?

EA Sports FC 24 is the successor to FIFA 23. Most of what is mentioned in this article will also apply to the new game. Players in Egypt will be able to purchase the game. Whether Egypt will be in the game will depend on licensing.

Conclusion

While the absence of the Egyptian national team in FIFA 23 is a drawback for some fans, the game remains widely popular and accessible in Egypt. The ability to play with global club teams, build Ultimate Team squads, and participate in online leagues provides a compelling gaming experience for Egyptian football enthusiasts.