FIFA has announced a new partnership with Konami Digital Entertainment to host the upcoming FIFAe World Cup, which will feature Konami’s popular free-to-play game, eFootball. This marks a significant shift, as FIFA had previously held this prestigious esports competition in collaboration with Electronic Arts for nearly three decades, ending the partnership in 2022.
Under the new agreement with Konami, two FIFAe World Cup tournaments are scheduled to take place later this year—one for mobile players and another for console players, both centered on eFootball.
“We are incredibly excited to join forces with KONAMI,” said Romy Gai, FIFA’s Chief Business Officer. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to promote football globally and to provide a platform for players to showcase their skills. We believe in creating an inclusive ecosystem where different communities can participate in FIFAe competitions.”
Konami’s Senior Executive Officer, Koji Kobayashi, echoed the excitement, stating, “At Konami, we’ve consistently pushed boundaries in football simulation and esports development. We’re thrilled to contribute to the expansion of eFootball through this partnership with FIFAe.”
Players from 18 countries and regions, including Argentina, Brazil, France, and India, will compete in two categories: Console (2v2 mode) and Mobile (1v1 mode).
This collaboration not only opens new avenues for competitive players but also enhances the growing intersection of traditional football and esports, creating a more inclusive platform for fans worldwide.