FIFA has dropped a bombshell on the esports community by announcing a partnership with Rocket League for the upcoming FIFAe World Cup.
In a surprising twist, FIFA has chosen Rocket League as the basis for its new esports competitions, a significant departure from their long-standing relationship with EA Sports.
This marks the first time FIFA will not feature its own football simulation game in its esports tournament, opting instead for the vehicular soccer game Rocket League, following the end of their 30-year partnership with EA Sports.
The tournament will involve 16 national teams, each composed of three players and one substitute, selected based on their player base and previous performances, allowing national teams to host their own qualification tournaments to scout the best players.
FIFA has announced an official Rocket League World Cup, with nation represented teams and all
This is actually gunna be sick pic.twitter.com/XvjuyxcoE4
— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) June 23, 2024
Christian Volk, FIFA’s Director of eFootball and Gaming, has described this partnership with Rocket League as a new era for FIFAe, emphasizing the groundbreaking potential of this move to evolve FIFA’s esports ecosystem and continue building the biggest stages for all communities.
The switch to Rocket League is seen as a strategic move, distancing FIFA from both EA Sports’ new football title, EA Sports FC, and Konami’s eFootball, aiming instead to leverage the popularity and unique gameplay of Rocket League.
The first-ever FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League is set to take place later this year, with exact dates and locations yet to be announced, leaving fans and players eager for more details.
