Israel’s national team has been playable in EA SPORTS FC 24 for a few days now – a comeback after 22 years of virtual absence. The reason for the return is probably the upcoming eSports event in Berlin
For more than two decades, Israeli soccer fans were no longer able to play their national team in FIFA or FC. The last time this was possible in a simulation game from EA SPORTS was in the early 2000s. On June 28, however, the developer helped the team make a big comeback as part of a game update: Israel is included in FC 24’s European Championship mode – albeit somewhat hidden.
Like some other teams that failed to qualify for the European Championship in Germany, Israel can be brought to EURO 2024 in the authentic competition format under “Own tournament”. The national team is still not scheduled for the FC 24 kick-off mode
The virtual Israeli squad includes Bayern replacement keeper Daniel Peretz. Meanwhile, the highest overall ratings go to Manor Solomon of Tottenham Hotspur and veteran Eran Zahavi of Maccabi Tel Aviv (77 points each). Also available are Salzburg’s Oscar Gloukh and Shon Weissman of Salernitana, who have each been given an overall rating of 75 by EA SPORTS.
eEURO 2024: Israel may play its own team
According to its own information, the Israeli Football Association (IFA) insisted on the inclusion of its national team – EA SPORTS agreed. The urgent request arose due to the participation in the eEURO 2024 in Berlin, which takes place next Sunday. There, Israel’s eSports player Yuval Blizovsky will be able to compete in FC 24 with realistic national players and true-to-life jerseys.
EA SPORTS has not confirmed this at the request of eSport, but has not denied it either. “We are delighted that the eight finalists will be using their authentic national teams for the first eEURO in EA SPORTS FC,” the developer said instead in general terms.
IFA CEO Shino Zoertz commented in the association statement on X: “Our goal is to reach a young audience that identifies with the national team professionals. I am very proud that the Football Association has brought such news to the Israeli public after 22 years.” The account had already hinted at the return with Israeli video footage from an old FIFA on June 27.