FIFA 22 has been a huge hit for EA, smashing sales and engagements records for the franchise early on in its cycle, but it doesn’t look like FIFA 23 will be following it up.

There could be a big name change coming for the next game, with a dispute occurring between EA and FIFA, but aside from the name, we’re expecting all the usual features from the upcoming version.

This will include the most popular game mode, Ultimate Team, which means there will be another Web & Companion App coming too.

Latest – Russia removed

EA has now confirmed that Russia and all Russia-related items have been removed from FIFA 22 Ultimate Team.

All players from Russian clubs, kit items, stadiums, and stadium themes have been cut from the game as EA “stands in solidarity” with the people of Ukraine.

For now, Russian players from other European clubs have not been removed and it looks like it will remain that way.

However, Russian Icon Lev Yashin could be the next item removed as he has no attachment to any club, and the same goes for FUT Heroes Aleksandr Mostovoi.

Both players could be the next to go if EA continues to axe all Russian-related content.

FIFA 23 or EA Sports FC

A new name is likely for next season’s title, with EA and FIFA set to part ways.

To prepare for this EA has patented ‘EA Sports FC’, so this looks to be the name.

This was backed up by EA Sports Group General Manager, Cam Weber, in a statement that said:

“As we look ahead, we’re also exploring the idea of renaming our global EA SPORTS football games.

“This means we’re reviewing our naming rights agreement with FIFA, which is separate from all our other official partnerships and licenses across the football world.”

Luckily, the name is the only major factor that should change, as EA has other partnership agreements that mean they can use official leagues and real players.

What is the Web App?

The Web App allows you to take control of your Ultimate Team on your phone or PC/Laptop.

You can manage your squads, set your tactics, and apply consumables all on the go.

Not just that, but you may find it easier to complete Squad Building Challenges too! The layout simplifies the process so if you are grinding through SBCs, this is the way to go.

You can open packs, buy and sell players on the transfer market and make sure everything in your club is ready to go.

App Release Date

Last year, the Web App went live before the release of the full game on Wednesday, 22 September.

The Companion App for mobile went live the following day, on Thursday, 23 September.

You will be able to download the Companion App on iOS via the App Store, with the option to update the existing app happening in the past.

Face of the app

Who will be the face of the Web & Companion App in FIFA 23?

Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold has been the face of the app for the past two editions, but will he continue this year?

Kylian Mbappe is the cover star on all editions of FIFA 22, and he could stretch his territory into the app as well and complete the set!

Whoever it is will be one of EA’s official ambassadors, so it will be one of the world’s top young talents.

Game Release Date

Of course, we don’t have an official release date yet, as the game is still months away, however, it is usually released around the same time every year, so we can make an educated guess.

FIFA 22 was fully launched on Friday, 1 October 2021, so if EA follows the same trend, then Friday, 30 September 2022 could be the date to keep an eye on.

This would mean early access for pre-orders from Tuesday, 27 September for those who buy the Ultimate Edition of the game.

The 10-hour EA Play trial usually offers players a limited number of hours of gaming too and goes live even earlier than pre-orders so expect to see that around a week before the full launch.

Key Dates

There are plenty of release dates to watch out for so that you can make the most of your early game experience.

The Web & Companion App is always a big one as it is crucial to how you get started in Ultimate Team.

It is also a World Cup year, so we could see some exclusive content released towards the end of November.

With all that in mind, here are some of the key (predicted) dates for your diaries.

Predicted FIFA 23 Key Dates:

• Thursday, 11 August – FIFA 23 Closed Beta
• Wednesday, 21 September – EA Play Trial (10 hours) & Web App Launch
• Thursday, 22 September – Mobile Companion App Launch
• Tuesday, 27 September – Early Access (Ultimate Edition Pre-Orders)
• Friday, 30 September – Full Launch
• Monday, 21 November – 2022 World Cup kick-off