What leagues are missing in FIFA 23?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

FIFA 23 features over 30 leagues from around the world, with over 19,000 players across 700 teams. However, some notable leagues are missing from the latest installment, primarily due to licensing issues.

Overview of Missing Leagues

According to reports, the following leagues will not be included in FIFA 23:

  • Liga BBVA MX (Mexico)
  • Meiji Yasuda J1 League (Japan)
  • Several South American national teams like Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay
  • Some Italian clubs like Roma, Lazio, Atalanta due to licensing deals with rival game eFootball

Reasons for Missing Leagues

The primary reason for the absence of these leagues comes down to licensing and exclusivity deals. For example:

  • The Mexican Liga BBVA MX has signed an exclusive deal with eFootball, Konami‘s soccer game.
  • Japanese J1 League also has an exclusive license with Konami.
  • Issues over image rights have prevented inclusion of some South American national teams.
  • Some Italian clubs have existing deals with eFootball.

In the case of large leagues like the Mexican Liga MX, the licensing costs may also play a role. EA Sports possibly decided that it was not feasible or viable to acquire licenses for certain leagues this year.

Impact on Gameplay Experience

The absence of these leagues does take away from the overall authenticity and scope of FIFA 23. Gamers will miss out on playing with real Mexican or Japanese club teams. National teams like Brazil add to the World Cup experience.

However, FIFA 23 still includes a vast majority of popular leagues and has new additions like the NWSL women‘s league. So there is no shortage of teams and players. Gameplay, graphics and core mechanics see noteworthy improvements this year as well.

Chances of Future Inclusion

It is difficult to predict whether the missing leagues might return in future versions. Much depends on how licensing deals and exclusivity agreements play out.

For now, it seems Konami has locked down licenses for Mexico and Japan. But if interest in eFootball declines, they could reopen negotiations. Similarly, if issues over rights get resolved, we may see national teams like Brazil back again.

EA Sports will likely try to include more leagues and content in each version. But licensing costs and complex deals mean some leagues invariably get left out each year.

Alternative Options

Some gamers use option files that can import missing leagues teams, kits and players into the FIFA 23 ecosystem. This expands available teams at the cost of extra effort. Finding reliable option files and installing them involves some complexity for average users but remains a viable workaround.

In conclusion, while some notable leagues are missing, FIFA 23 still delivers an excellent soccer experience thanks to stellar gameplay and vast content volume covering leagues from every continent. Gamers may miss specific teams or the World Cup mode without Brazil but can hopefully look forward to their return in future versions.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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