Simran Joshi
FIFA and KONAMI have teamed up to host the FIFAe World Cup, featuring eFootball competitions on both console and mobile platforms, with qualifiers beginning on October 10, 2024. The event, which marks a significant collaboration between football’s global governing body and the game developer, will see 18 nations participate, selected based on their player base and previous performances in FIFAe tournaments. KONAMI, one of FIFA’s newest partners following its split from EA Sports, continues to grow its presence in the esports scene, further expanding its role in global football simulation competitions.
Expansion of FIFAe and KONAMI’s Collaboration
The partnership between FIFA and KONAMI continues to grow following FIFA’s decision to break away from EA Sports in 2023. KONAMI, known for its popular football simulation game *eFootball*, has played a crucial role in FIFA’s esports strategy. As one of the three key developers working with FIFA, KONAMI’s involvement underscores the organization’s commitment to diversifying its gaming presence. The FIFAe World Cup in 2024 is set to feature eFootball prominently, solidifying the relationship between the governing body and the Japanese game developer.
KONAMI has made significant strides in expanding the *eFootball* esports scene. In 2022, it partnered with seven Italian football clubs to create the Coppa eFootball Italia tournament, which further positioned the company as a dominant force in virtual football. Koji Kobayashi, Senior Executive Officer at KONAMI, expressed the company’s excitement for the FIFAe World Cup, emphasizing their dedication to enhancing football simulation and esports. Their collaborations, particularly with FIFA, aim to bring excitement and global engagement to digital football competitions.
Diverse Global Representation and Competition Format
The FIFAe World Cup 2024 will feature 18 nations, showcasing a wide range of countries with strong eFootball communities. These nations include heavyweights like Brazil, Argentina, and England, alongside growing markets such as India, Indonesia, and Costa Rica. This diverse lineup reflects FIFA and KONAMI’s ambition to create a global competition that not only highlights top-performing nations but also cultivates new talent from emerging regions. Nations were selected based on their player base in *eFootball* and past performances in FIFAe tournaments, ensuring a high level of competition.
As the qualifiers kick off in October 2024, players from these 18 countries will compete for the chance to represent their nations on both console and mobile platforms. The multi-platform approach allows for greater accessibility and engagement, inviting more players and viewers to participate in the event. This format ensures that the FIFAe World Cup remains inclusive while maintaining the excitement and intensity expected from one of the premier esports tournaments in football gaming.
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