‘FIFA 16’ U.S. Cover Features Alex Morgan, Lionel Messi
Electronic Arts has unveiled the FIFA 16 cover, featuring US Women’s National Team forward Alex Morgan and Argentine forward Lionel Messi as its U.S. cover athletes. Captain of the Canadian Women’s National Team, Christine Sinclair, joins Messi on the Canadian game cover. Australian defender Stephanie Catley won the Australian FIFA 16 Cover Vote to earn her spot on the Australian cover next to Messi and one other yet-to-be-revealed athlete.
Morgan, Sinclair, and Catley are the first women in EA Sports history to appear on a FIFA game cover. All three ladies are also on the roster of the Portland Thorns.
I’m so honored to be featured on the cover of #FIFA16. Thank you @EASPORTSFIFA! https://t.co/vw73wtfncJ pic.twitter.com/5vp8RLUk1x
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) July 20, 2015
In a recent statement to the press, Morgan stated what an “incredible honor” it is to be selected as a cover athlete for FIFA 16.
“I know people all over the world play this game and I’m really excited that FIFA 16 is putting such an important spotlight on women’s soccer. And now to share the cover with today’s greatest player is surreal.”
The good news comes just after Morgan celebrated winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the conclusion of Independence Day weekend. The lively USA vs. Japan match dominated social media and search, with Morgan coming in as Google’s second-most popular athlete search. Hope Solo is reported by MSNBC to have taken the top spot.
With interest in women’s soccer at a high point, fans will get to play as several Women’s National Teams in FIFA 16 for the first time in the game franchise’s history. The National Teams currently on the roster include: USA, Canada, Mexico, England, France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Australia, Brazil and China. These 12 teams go head-to-head in select game modes, including: Kick Off, Offline Tournament and Online Friendly Matches.
Sinclair has echoed Morgan’s enthusiasm, while praising EA’s decision to make the Women’s National Teams playable in FIFA 16.
“This year’s World Cup showcased the unbelievable talent and skill in women’s soccer. I’m thrilled that EA SPORTS is celebrating female athletes in FIFA 16. To be featured in the game and to promote women’s soccer with Alex is really special and another exciting step for women in sports.”
As exciting as the inclusion of women’s teams in FIFA 16 may be, those wanting to recreate the 2015 Women’s World Cup may be disappointed to see Japan’s team is presently missing from the roster. In the official game FAQ, EA suggests players continue submitting their feedback if they would like to see more women’s teams in future games.
FIFA 16 has a North American release date of September 22, 2015. It is playable on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Origin on PC.
