The U.S. Women's National Team just keeps on winning.
Sidebar The Perfectly Flawed USWNT: World Cup Champions »They kicked off July by thrashing Japan in the World Cup final, rolled down Broadway as conquering heroes, got a genuine WWE championship belt and bested the Warriors, Blackhawks and Patriots for the best team at the 2015 ESPYs. As if all of that wasn't enough, they've also scored a date with England at Yankee Stadium, landed the cover of Sports Illustrated and now, one of their stars is about to make video game history.
Forward Alex Morgan has just been announced as one the two female stars gracing the cover of FIFA 16 in North America – along with Canadian Women's Team captain Christine Sinclair. In the U.S., Morgan will featured alongside Lionel Messi, with Sinclair doing the same in Canada. No female athlete has ever been featured on the cover of EA Sports' long-running series here in the U.S., and fans will get the opportunity to play with the 12 teams represented in the Women's World Cup for the first time.
"It is an incredible honor to be one of the first women featured on the cover," Morgan said in a statement. "I know people all over the world play this game and I'm really excited that FIFA 16 is putting such an important spotlight on women's soccer. And now to share the cover with today's greatest player is surreal."
Just 26, Morgan has already made her mark on the field. In 2012, she led the USA to an Olympic gold medal by defeating Japan in thrilling fashion. Three short years later, she fought through a left knee contusion during the World Cup by logging 434 minutes and helped punch the USA's ticket into the quarterfinals with the game-winning goal against Colombia.
Taking the place of Morgan further up north is Sinclair, Canada's all-time leader in caps and international goals. She also had the honor of being Canada's flag bearer at the closing ceremonies of the London Olympics after leading them to a bronze medal, the country's first in the sport since 1904.
"This year's World Cup showcased the unbelievable talent and skill in women's soccer," Sinclair said. "I'm thrilled that EA Sports is celebrating female athletes in FIFA 16. To be featured in the game and to promote women's soccer with Alex is really special and another exciting step for women in sports."
FIFA 16 is set to hit stores on September 22, 2015 on PC, Xbox and PlayStation.
