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Will FIFA 23 Remove World Cup Mode? A Deep Dive

The short answer is no, FIFA 23 will not entirely remove World Cup mode, but its implementation and lifespan require some clarification. While the dedicated, standalone World Cup mode’s active period has passed, elements and themed content remain within the game, especially in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT). Think of it less as a complete removal and more of a transition into legacy content. Let’s break down the specifics.

Understanding the FIFA 23 World Cup Integration

Instead of a separate, self-contained World Cup mode that lived on its own, FIFA 23 adopted a more integrated approach. The 2022 FIFA World Cup was implemented primarily through FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), with specific campaigns and items tied to the tournament. The actual kickoff for this integration occurred with the launch of Season 2 on November 11th, building anticipation leading up to the actual tournament.

This meant that while you could play with updated rosters and stadiums, the focus was on earning and collecting World Cup-themed player cards, completing Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), and participating in special events within the broader FUT ecosystem. This approach allowed EA to keep the World Cup experience fresh with new content drops and challenges throughout the tournament.

The key takeaway is that the standalone experience ended, but the content lives on, shaping team building and strategy within FUT even now. All the FIFA World Cup™ FUT Campaign Items will be permanent within FUT 23, allowing you to continue to build squads with them even after the tournament wrapped up.

The Timeline: Key Dates to Remember

Season 2 Launch (November 11th): This marked the beginning of the World Cup content integration into FUT.
World Cup Content Duration (Until December 23rd): This was the period where new World Cup-themed content was actively released and promoted.
Season Two End (January 4th): While World Cup content remained accessible, the active “season” dedicated to it concluded.

Career Mode Considerations

The situation in Career Mode is slightly different. While a fully licensed World Cup experience is present, some players found it to be a more “minimized” version compared to past iterations. You can participate in the World Cup as a player or manager, but the depth and presentation might not be as robust as some anticipated. Critically, the integration of the World Cup within Career Mode remains part of the FIFA 23 experience and has not been removed. This remains the ONLY FIFA that has an old minimized version of the World Cup in career mode but a fully licensed one in a different menu.

The Legacy of FIFA 23’s World Cup: Looking Ahead

FIFA 23’s approach highlights the evolving nature of sports game integrations. Rather than providing a single, self-contained mode, developers are increasingly opting for dynamic, integrated experiences that keep players engaged over longer periods. This approach allows for constant content updates, fresh challenges, and a more robust integration with the core gameplay mechanics.

The Games Learning Society studies how games affect learning and player engagement. The decision to phase out the main tournament after a period and let the FUT cards live on supports the argument that sustained content integration keeps the players interested and invested in the game. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.

What to Expect Moving Forward

Even though we’re past the active period of FIFA 23’s World Cup, its influence lingers. You can still find World Cup player items in packs, transfer market, and continue to build squads around them. This creates a lasting legacy, allowing players to relive the excitement of the tournament and experiment with unique team compositions long after the final whistle has blown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FIFA 23 and the World Cup

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about FIFA 23’s World Cup implementation to provide further clarification:

Did FIFA 23 have a dedicated World Cup game mode? While it didn’t have a completely standalone mode like previous FIFA titles, FIFA 23 featured a fully updated and licensed World Cup implemented primarily through FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) and a version in Career Mode.
When did the FIFA 23 World Cup content become available? The World Cup content integration began with the launch of Season 2 on November 11th.
Are World Cup-themed items still available in FIFA 23 Ultimate Team? Yes, all FIFA World Cup™ FUT Campaign Items will be permanent within FUT 23.
When did the active period of World Cup content end? The main period of new World Cup content ended on December 23rd.
Is the World Cup still accessible in FIFA 23 Career Mode? Yes, a licensed World Cup experience remains part of the FIFA 23 Career Mode.
Why didn’t FIFA 23 have a fully standalone World Cup mode? EA opted for a more integrated approach, focusing on FUT campaigns and content drops throughout the tournament. This allowed for a more dynamic and constantly updated experience.
What kind of World Cup content was available in FUT? This included special player cards, Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), themed objectives, and unique events.
Can I still play with updated rosters and stadiums from the World Cup in FIFA 23? While the active period is over, the core content is still available in FIFA Ultimate Team and Career Mode.
Were there any issues with team licensing in FIFA 23 related to the World Cup? Yes, some national teams, like Brazil and Uruguay, had licensing issues that resulted in generic players and kits. Ecuador, Senegal, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Costa Rica, Japan, Cameroon, Serbia, Switzerland, South Korea were also missing from the game.
What international tournaments can you play in FIFA 23 career mode? FIFA 23 is the only place you can play on the world’s biggest stage in both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup™ tournaments, as well as the iconic UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, CONMEBOL Sudamericana, Premier League, Bundesliga, and LaLiga Santander.
How long can you play FIFA 23 career mode? FIFA 23 Career Mode allows players to enjoy playing for up to 15 seasons, starting with the 2022/23 season and ending with the 2036/37 season.
Is FIFA 23 World Cup mode any good? If you love FIFA 23, you’ll enjoy the World Cup Update especially if you engage with FIFA Ultimate Team, where you’ll find some juicy new content. If you just want to relive single-player happy memories of standalone games gone by, I think you’ll feel sold short.
Will FC 24 have real players? Yes, this was so good to hear, as it means we’ll be still receiving the same high quality, realistic representation of the various football leagues, clubs, and players we’ve all grown accustomed to. So while the FIFA name is gone, the game will retain the rights to use real clubs and players.
Why is FIFA not called FIFA anymore? EA split from the FIFA brand last year after a partnership that included 38 video games, released each year, for nearly 30 years. Now rebranded as EA Sports FC 24, this year’s game is the first in the series not to have the FIFA name.
What is EA Sports FC 24? The world’s biggest and best soccer game has a new look, but under the surface things still feel very familiar. The main reason that EA Sports FC 24 isn’t called FIFA is that EA no longer has access to the license that allows the company to use the FIFA brand.

Will FIFA 23 remove World Cup mode?