Is the World Cup in FIFA 21? A Complete Guide
If you’re wondering whether the World Cup appears in FIFA 21, you’re not alone. Many fans search for the tournament mode after seeing it in earlier and later editions of the series. This article explains the licensing situation, how to access World‑Cup‑style content, and what alternatives exist for players who want the global tournament experience in FIFA 21.
World Cup Licensing in FIFA 21
EA Sports secured the official FIFA World Cup license for the 2018 and 2022 editions of the game. However, the 2022 tournament was released after FIFA 21, and the 2018 World Cup was already integrated into FIFA 20. As a result, FIFA 21 does **not** include a dedicated World Cup mode with authentic branding, trophies, or match schedules.
Instead, FIFA 21 focuses on its Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Pro Clubs experiences. The absence of an official World Cup does not prevent you from recreating the tournament yourself, thanks to the game’s flexible customization tools.
How to Simulate a World Cup in FIFA 21
Even without the official tournament, players can set up a World Cup‑style competition using the following methods:
- Custom Tournaments – From the main menu, select “Kick‑Off,” then “Custom Tournaments.” Choose a knockout or group‑stage format, set the number of teams, and assign them to the appropriate continents.
- FIFA 21 Community Creations – The in‑game “Create a Club” and “Custom Seasons” features allow you to download community‑made World Cup kits, stadiums, and match schedules. Look for creations tagged with “World Cup” or “WC2026” for the latest fan‑made content.
- Career Mode – Start a new International Career and select a national team. While the game does not automatically generate a World Cup, you can manually arrange friendly matches that mimic the tournament’s progression.
Differences from Other FIFA Titles
Earlier FIFA releases, such as FIFA 20, included a “World Cup” tournament mode that featured authentic stadiums and the official trophy. Later titles, like FIFA 23, re‑introduced a fully licensed World Cup experience. Compared to those editions, FIFA 21 offers:
- Limited Official Content – No official World Cup branding or specific tournament schedule.
- Greater Reliance on Community Content – Players must use custom creations to replicate the atmosphere of a real World Cup.
- Enhanced Gameplay Features – FIFA 21 introduced new dribbling mechanics and AI improvements that make any custom tournament feel more realistic.
