It’s a nice touch, and one that will keep players in countries who didn’t qualify involved during the heat of the tournament itself. So what about all those teams that didn’t make it into the final 32? Well, weep not USA and Chile fans, because plenty of those teams will also be included in the free content update, although you’ll only be able to use them in custom tournaments and friendlies. The update will also include some ‘custom cinematics’ to help recreate the atmosphere of the real event, although EA has yet to confirm whether this will include any new animations or fresh commentary (we’d go as far to say it’ll at least have all the official graphics from any upcoming TV broadcasts).

The official match ball will also be included (naturally, can’t have any of this generic nonsense) as will the proper FIFA World Cup trophy, for added authenticity when your team goes on to win the final. Even pitch conditions relative to each stadium will be on point. You’ll also be getting access to the 12 Russian stadia (see below for the full list) that will be used during the real-life tournament, recreated with the same attention to detail and match day presentation you’ve come to expect from the rest of the base game. Even the official kits for each national side will be present and correct in virtual form. The console version of the World Cup mode will feature all 32 of the teams that have qualified for the tournament, including likenesses and names for all the players (although a good chunk of these are already present in FIFA 18).

However, owners of the FIFA Mobile app will be getting in on the action, with a special World Cup-themed update arriving on June 6 (although this will be for a limited time, so get playing on the go while you have the chance). Unfortunately, the mode won’t be coming to any ‘old-gen’ platforms – sorry, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners, but it may finally be time to give up the ghost and upgrade.

Fifa 19 mobile release date