FIFA is kicking off a new chapter in mobile gaming with FIFA Rivals, a fresh take on football built for short sessions, fast action, and a touch of digital ownership. Co-developed with Mythical Games, the team behind NFL Rivals, this upcoming title ditches the simulation-heavy formula in favor of something more playful and collectible. With a full global launch scheduled for June 2025 and early access already rolling out in select regions, here’s a first look and everything we know so far.

About FIFA Rivals

FIFA Rivals is a new mobile football game built by Mythical Games in partnership with FIFA and Bacon Studio. Rather than focusing on ultra-realistic simulations, the game goes in a different direction by offering an arcade-style experience with fast matches, power-ups, and simplified controls.

FIFA Rivals Key Art 

Mythical Games brings their experience from NFL Rivals, a title that quietly became one of the most played Web3 games on mobile. The team knows how to build games that hide complex technology behind a simple, player-first experience. FIFA Rivals follows the same path, blending officially licensed football content with a streamlined game loop. The game is expected to launch globally in June 2025, with early access already rolling out in select regions.

First Look at Gameplay

FIFA Rivals focuses on quick action and fun gameplay instead of full-length matches or complex tactics. Players build teams using collectible player cards, then compete in real-time matches that are fast, strategic, and built for mobile.

As of the pre-release version, once your team hits the pitch, the match kicks off with a full-time clock of just 1 minute and 30 seconds. Rather than a continuous simulation like you’d see in console football games, FIFA Rivals plays out in short bursts of strategic moments. For example, after the opening kickoff or a successful pass, the game briefly pauses for a few seconds. During this window, players can make critical decisions — like rotating the camera, directing the ball handler where to dribble, calling a teammate to make a run, going for a shot, or setting up a cross.

FIFA Rivals Home Screen

If you’re defending, you’ll get options to pressure attackers by selecting defenders, predicting passes, attempting tackles, or positioning your goalkeeper to cut off a shot. These decisions are made using intuitive mobile controls — tapping, dragging, and swiping to issue commands quickly and smoothly.

One unique mechanic that sets FIFA Rivals apart is Super Mode. As the match progresses, both players gradually fill their Super Mode bar. Once full, it can be activated to temporarily boost a player’s stats and trigger powerful animations. For example, if your striker is closing in on goal and getting pressured by two defenders, activating Super Mode might give them a fiery aura, extra speed, and strength to push past and get a clean shot. On the flip side, defenders can use their Super Mode to lock down attackers, force turnovers, or secure last-second saves.

As you climb the ranks and start facing teams with similar power levels, knowing when and how to use Super Mode becomes a key part of winning. An offensive Super Mode play can still be countered by a well-timed defensive Super Mode, which adds a layer of back-and-forth mind games to every match.

But the grind doesn’t stop on the field. One of FIFA Rivals’ core gameplay loops is collecting player cards, upgrading them, and building your ultimate squad. You can level up cards by fusing duplicates or spending in-game currency, which increases their stats and helps you compete at higher ranks. Cards come in different rarities — Common, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and Mythical — with higher rarities not only offering better base stats but also a higher chance of featuring iconic or fan-favorite players.

FIFA Rivals Packs and Player Upgrades

Match rewards, daily challenges, and ranked play often give you card packs of varying rarity. Cracking open packs to chase your next upgrade or legendary pull becomes part of the daily grind. And yes, card stats directly affect gameplay — so building your GOAT squad isn’t just about bragging rights, it gives you a real edge.

FIFA Rivals Cosmetic Options

FIFA Rivals also adds flair to the experience with cosmetics. From flashy goal animations and custom player kits to in-game emojis and cheeky taunts, there’s a layer of chaos and humor that gives matches personality. It keeps the vibe fun and competitive — whether you’re here for leaderboard glory or just flexing your team’s latest drip.

Web3 Integration and Collectible Cards 

FIFA Rivals hasn’t fully revealed its Web3 features yet, but since it runs on the Mythos blockchain, the same system used in NFL Rivals, it’s likely to follow a similar model. In NFL Rivals, player cards double as NFTs that can be owned, traded, and upgraded through the Mythical Marketplace, and FIFA Rivals is expected to offer “collectible football cards, featuring officially licensed football stars across varying rarities like Common, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and Mythical.

FIFA Rivals Collectible Cards 

These cards not only serve as digital collectibles but also influence gameplay stats, making rare pulls valuable both competitively and cosmetically. The blockchain layer remains optional and hidden from casual players, ensuring a seamless experience for anyone just looking to play. For those who want to dive into ownership and trading, the Web3 systems are already built into the backend, making FIFA Rivals approachable for all types of players.

Final Thoughts

FIFA Rivals isn’t trying to compete with FIFA Mobile or console-level football games. It’s carving out a different lane, one made for mobile-first players who want quick matches, team-building strategy, and the added bonus of owning their best pulls.

Mythical Games has already proven with NFL Rivals that this model can work. With FIFA’s global brand, licensed players, and a more playful take on the sport, FIFA Rivals could be one of the more surprising mobile launches this year. Whether you're here for the gameplay or the collectibles, it’s a title worth watching as it rolls out this summer.