Netflix to Launch FIFA Football Game Ahead of World Cup 2026: What to Expect

Netflix has officially announced a collaboration with FIFA to bring a new football simulation game to its gaming platform. The upcoming title will be available exclusively through Netflix Games and will be accessible to Netflix subscribers without any additional purchase.

The game is set to launch in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026, offering fans a fresh, competitive football experience directly through their Netflix subscription.

Development and Publishing: Delphi Interactive Leads the Project

According to Netflix, the game is being developed and published by Delphi Interactive, the same studio involved in developing 007 First Light, a game scheduled for release on PC and consoles in March 2026.

Netflix describes the upcoming football title as a “newly reimagined FIFA football simulation game”, designed to combine quick, accessible gameplay with competitive depth for longer-term engagement. Players will have the option to compete solo or online with friends, making it both a casual and social gaming experience.

How the Game Will Be Played

Netflix confirmed that the game will be exclusive to Netflix Games and requires an active subscription to access. While it is optimized for mobile devices, Netflix has also introduced an innovative TV-based experience, where users can play on select TV models using their phones as controllers.

Initially, the TV mode will be available in certain countries, with plans to expand availability globally over time.

Gameplay Details

While Netflix has not revealed full gameplay mechanics, the company emphasizes a football simulation that is easy to pick up yet offers enough depth to remain engaging over time. The game aims to be user-friendly for casual players while still providing strategic and competitive challenges for more experienced gamers.

Will the Game Include FIFA Branding?

Netflix has not confirmed the official name of the upcoming game, but it is widely expected to include “FIFA” branding. This launch marks a significant return of the FIFA name in video games after the end of FIFA’s long-standing licensing deal with EA Sports.

EA Sports had rebranded its football franchise as EA Sports FC starting with FC 24 in 2023, ending a 30-year licensing agreement with FIFA. Although EA Sports retained major leagues, teams, and players, the FIFA name itself has been absent from mainstream football games since then.

Release Timeline and Expectations

Netflix has not shared an official release date, but the football game is confirmed to launch ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which starts in June 2026. Fans can expect a mobile-first experience with an optional TV mode, offering a unique way to engage with football simulation directly from their Netflix subscription.

This partnership signals Netflix’s growing interest in interactive gaming content and the potential revival of FIFA-branded games for a global audience.

Key Highlights

• Netflix partners with FIFA to launch a football simulation game.

• Exclusive to Netflix Games, playable with subscription only.

• Developed by Delphi Interactive, also working on 007 First Light.

• Playable solo or online with friends, on mobile and select TVs.

• Likely to feature FIFA branding after EA Sports’ rebranding to EA Sports FC.

• Expected launch ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 in June.

Conclusion

Netflix’s partnership with FIFA to launch a new football simulation game ahead of the 2026 World Cup marks a significant step into the gaming world for the streaming giant. With gameplay designed to be accessible yet competitively engaging, and availability on both mobile devices and select TVs, the title promises a fresh way for fans to experience football. While the official name and release date remain unannounced, the game is expected to revive FIFA branding in video games after EA Sports’ rebranding to EA Sports FC. Exclusive to Netflix Games, it highlights Netflix’s growing focus on interactive content and positions the platform as a key player in the global football gaming landscape, creating excitement for millions of subscribers worldwide.