Designed to celebrate each country's top star, the cover athletes have been individually selected to represent their team, their nation and their loyal fans. Working in partnership with adidas, the only official branded sports apparel manufacturer for the real-world 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament, EA has been able to deliver customized covers for nearly a dozen countries.

"We are thrilled to have the world's top athletes representing 2006 FIFA World Cup in each of these countries," said Clive Downie, VP of Marketing, EA. "Game players around the globe are engaging in this phenomenal tournament by experiencing it for themselves through the video game."

"2006 FIFA World Cup lets players live out their greatest soccer fantasy of playing with their heroes. We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with EA and provide direct access to each of the superstars," said Thierry Weil, head of football sports marketing at adidas.

Demonstrating athletic excellence, undying determination and masterful skill, the line-up of players featured regionally on 2006 FIFA World Cup are true sports champions.

TEAM ATHLETE PACK AVAILABLE IN: China Zhi Zhen China England Frank Lampard England Germany Lukas Podolski Germany Italy Alessandro Del Piero Italy Mexico Jamie Lozano USA, Canada, Mexico Portugal Simao Portugal Netherlands Arjen Robben Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg Switzerland Ricardo Cabanas Switzerland Spain Xavi Spain USA Claudio Reyna USA, Canada, Mexico

Players step into the heart of the action as they play their favorite team or most loathed opponent. Featuring stunning visual representations of the world's superstar players, gamers experience the 12 official stadiums as they take their team from qualification to glory. In addition to taking control of one of 127 national teams, players will enjoy groundbreaking new play modes. Global Challenge tests even the biggest soccer fanatic by recreating classic moments in FIFA World Cup history with modern teams. True champions can challenge their friends in eight-way multiplayer matches and take advantage of tremendous in-game un-lockable content such as legendary players and exclusive licensed football apparel.

2006 FIFA World Cup will feature stunning visual representations of the world's superstar players, 12 official stadiums that will be used at 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany and stadiums from each qualifying region. Gamers will be able to play as their favorite team from qualification right through to a virtual reproduction of the tournament in Germany.

2006 FIFA World Cup, developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C., is scheduled to ship on the PS2, Xbox, X360, Gamecube, NDS, GBA, PSP, and PC.

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