Why is Brazil not in FIFA 23? The case of the missing Samba

Why is Brazil not in FIFA 23? The case of the missing Samba

Lenah Ann
June 5, 2023 at 11:55 AM

Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup five times, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002, making them the most successful national team in the tournament. Selecao's football culture, known as 'o Pas do Futebol' or "the Country of Football," is unlike any other. But the question, however, is, why is Brazil not in FIFA 2023?

Why is Brazil not in FIFA 23 international teams
The Brazil team sings their national anthem prior to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 Group D match against Italy at Estadio Mendoza on 21 May 2023 in Mendoza, Argentina. Photo: Buda Mendes
Source: Getty Images

Brazil's national team has the best overall record in the World Cup tournament, proportionally and in absolute terms, with a record of 73 wins in 109 games played, 124 goal difference, 237 points, and 18 losses. As a result, it explains why the team's absence from the list of available teams in FIFA 23 astounded the FIFA gaming community.

Profile summary

Full name

Brazil national football team

Nickname

Selecao

Founded

1914

Colours

Yellow and Blue

Federation

FIFA

Head coach

Tite

Captain

Thiago Silva

Top scorer

Pele (77 goals)

Most caps

Cafu (142)

Stadium

Maracana Stadium

FIFA code

BRA

FIFA ranking

1

Social media presence

Instagram, Twitter

Why is Brazil not in FIFA 23 international teams?

Everyone who enjoys soccer knows the magic Selecao brings to the field. It is difficult to envision a FIFA match without the unmistakable yellow and green team due to their thrilling samba-style play and a record of five World Cup victories. Yet, astonishingly, it is precisely the scenario as Brazil is not in the FIFA 23 kick-off.

But even though the original Selecao squad has been added to FIFA 23, it has been included as part of the FUT World Cup game mode. This results from the team not being authentic due to alleged licensing issues over image rights. And while this was also the case in FIFA 22, soccer diehards still wondered, could it just be about the licensing issue?

Brazil is not in the FIFA 23 kick-off
Brazil's gold medallists listen to their national anthem on the podium during the medal ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games men's football competition at Yokohama International Stadium in Yokohama, Japan, on 7 August 2021. Photo: Anne-Christine
Source: Getty Images

Why is Brazil's team not in FIFA 23?

Brazil has been conspicuously absent since the debut of FIFA 23. Although their national colors and flags are present, the national squad is not listed among the teams. As a matter of fact, players from the country are present in their acknowledged clubs.

Alleged licensing issues over image rights are the primary cause of the national team's absence in the tournament. Typically, when FIFA releases lists of standing national teams, various managements are required to use authorised footballers, kits, and logos.

But is that it for the Brazil national team?

Well, the good news is that Selecao is partially present in FIFA 23, but only in some game modes. The notable omission raised some eyebrows when it was first launched; however, the team was included in the game mode. The mode consists of both the official squad and the original Brazil team.

This is only achievable since FIFA owns the rights as part of their tournament, and EA Sports has full access. Brazil cannot be played in conventional game modes, but this is a fantastic substitute that players can try.

What formation could Brazil play in FIFA 23?

In FIFA 23, a 4-2-3-1 formation could have worked perfectly well for the national team. It is one of the most balanced and effective formations in the game and could also accommodate Brazil's best players into their starting eleven.

Why is Brazil so good at football?

For starters, Brazil is known to be a home for soccer champions. They are incredible in football due to a combination of futsal, an effective development tool for such young players. Other than that, the players' competitiveness, mobility, skills, speed, and even commitment to the sport are some of the reasons why they rank at the top.

Which teams are missing from FIFA 23?

Why is Brazil not in FIFA 23 international teams
Players of Selecao stand for the national anthem prior to the Men's Football Semi-final match against Mexico on day eleven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kashima Stadium on 3 August 2021 in Kashima, Ibaraki, Japan. Photo: Atsushi Tomura
Source: Getty Images

Aside from Brazil, Ecuador, Senegal, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, South Korea, Tunisia, Costa Rica, Japan, Cameroon, Serbia, and Uruguay are all missing from FIFA 23.

Players and fans were disappointed by the Brazil national team's absence from FIFA 23. However, the gaming industry's dynamic character frequently offers chances for improvements and solutions. Given the vibrant fan base and Brazilian football's unquestionable global popularity, it is unlikely that such an absence would last long.

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Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.