Canadian men’s team joins women in EA’s ‘FIFA 16’

TORONTO – The Canadian men’s soccer team is joining the Canadian women in the new “FIFA 16” soccer video game.

It marks the first time that national women’s teams have been included in the successful franchise. The new game features women’s squads from Canada, Germany, the U.S., France, Sweden, England, Brazil, Australia, Spain, China, Italy, and Mexico.

The Canadian men have been absent in recent years despite the fact that the EA Sports game is developed in suburban Vancouver. Being ranked as low as No. 117 in the world did not help the Canadian men’s cause.

READ MORE: Women’s teams, including Canada, join EA Sports’ FIFA 2016 video game

Canada is currently ranked 102nd and will be opening the next round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying in Vancouver in November.

The new game features 48 men’s national teams from Argentina to Wales, as well as more than 650 playable teams from 30-plus leagues.

“FIFA 16” is slated for release Sept. 22 for PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3.