Women's Soccer Added to FIFA Video Game, Alex Morgan Shares the Cover of FIFA 16

Going through Women's World Cup withdrawal? EA Sports has just what you need — even if you have to wait a couple months for it. FIFA 16 hits stores on September 22, but today we get our first look at the cover, featuring Messi and American star Alex Morgan.

“It is an incredible honor to be one of the first women featured on the cover of EA Sports’ FIFA,” said Morgan. “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.”

But Morgan’s more than just a cover star — she’s also part of the game.

For the first time, women's soccer players will be playable in FIFA. The FIFA franchise launched in 1993, so this move is way, way, way overdue. But it couldn't come at a better time, at least for U.S. soccer fans. Interest in the sport is soaring right now thanks to the U.S. Women's National Team claiming the 2015 World Cup, and that should give this new game a bit of a boost.



“This year’s World Cup showcased the unbelievable talent and skill in women’s soccer,” Canadian soccer captain Christine Sinclair. “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.” (Sinclair will be on the cover in Canada.)

Check out a trailer for FIFA 16, as well as behind-the-scene images of U.S. stars Alex Morgan, Sydney Leroux, and Megan Rapinoe going through the performance-capture process that ensures they're rendered as lifelike as possible in the game.

















Photos: EA Sports