Especially the Ultimate Team mode was obviously in the focus of the developers in the past months. Numerous changes like a revised chemistry system or the new World Cup mode should bring a breath of fresh air into the well-tried structures.

sport.de introduces the ten most important innovations and presents a preview of the upcoming part of the successful series.

In the popular Ultimate Team mode, it has long played a role whether players used harmonize with each other based on characteristics such as nationality or league affiliation. However, this team chemistry system has been revised in the run-up to the release of FIFA 23.

Until now, the decisive factor was whether two players placed directly next to each other on the virtual pitch harmonized with each other. In the new title, however, it no longer matters in which positions the matching players are in the starting eleven.

After years of waiting, FIFA 23 is EA’s first soccer simulation to enable cross-platform play from release. So a PC gamer finally no longer has to do without competing with owners of different consoles.

However, the new cross-play system still includes limitations: Since the technical framework of the next-gen consoles and the PC differs from the possibilities of the PlayStation 4 as well as the Xbox One, game developer EA is practically introducing a two-tier society.

How do the World Cup and Ultimate Team mode fit together? Even though developer EA hasn’t revealed any details in this regard yet, it is at least known that there will be a FUT World Cup in FIFA 23.

While in earlier times FIFA World Cup games were only available as full-price titles, the biggest soccer tournament in the world will be released as a free title update this year.

In line with the implemented World Cup, FIFA 23 will also feature a new kind of icon: The World Cup FUT Heroes tie in with the FUT Heroes introduced last year.

Each new Hero will appear twice in the upcoming FIFA title: as a basic version as well as a World Cup version. The latter includes an upgrade and refers to a shining moment on the dazzling World Cup stage.

In addition to the newly introduced special cards, fans can of course look forward to more icons. The name Gerd Müller in particular caused quite a stir on social media a few weeks ago.

According to reliable sources, the world champion of 1974 will be part of FIFA 23 for the first time. In addition to the nation’s bomber, fans can also look forward to other legends such as Gabriel Batistuta and Xabi Alonso.

For several years, Juventus Torino was only represented under a fictitious name in the soccer simulation FIFA. Those who still wanted to steer the Italian record champion across the virtual pitch had to look out for Piemonte Calcio in the career mode, for example.

However, since an exclusive contract with developer Konami has not been extended, Juve can finally be depicted with its real name and logo again in FIFA 23.

• Real coaches in career mode

Fans of the career mode can be happy about finally being able to depict real coaches in FIFA 23. So far, various coaching greats such as Jürgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola or Carlo Ancelotti have been announced.

Due to the generous starting position in terms of official licenses, various coaches from the Bundesliga should also be represented. Will cult coach Christian Streich also be in attendance?

• First player on the cover

On the cover of the Ultimate Edition a woman is represented in FIFA 23 for the first time. Because next to Kylian Mbappé, the Australian Sam Kerr does the honors.

In her home country, the Australian record goalscorer will even grace the cover of the Standard Edition. Incidentally, she will be wearing the shirt of her employer, Chelsea FC.

• New major competitions in women’s soccer

Women’s soccer is further expanded in FIFA 23 as a whole. In addition to the Women’s World Cup, the French Division 1 around Champions League series winners Olympique Lyon as well as the English FA Women’s Super League are represented.

However, you won’t find women’s soccer in the Ultimate Team mode in the new part of the soccer simulation. Just like in the career mode.

• Last official FIFA title from EA

The cooperation between game developer EA and the world soccer association FIFA represents a gigantic success story. A fairy tale, which will be history in the coming year.

Because the two parties could not agree on a new contract due to different financial ideas.

While EA wants to continue the series under the title EA Sports FC, FIFA is looking for a new partner to launch a competing product.