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| The official FIFA World Cup 2026 and Netflix logo. |
The Big Announcement: FIFA Returns to Gaming
Imagine settling in to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup, feeling the thrill of the tournament, and then deciding to step onto the digital pitch yourself—all without leaving your Netflix app. This will soon be a reality. In a major move that blends sports, streaming, and interactive entertainment, Netflix has announced an exclusive partnership to launch a new, officially licensed FIFA football game in summer 2026.
The game, developed by the California-based studio Delphi Interactive, will be available at no additional cost to Netflix subscribers. It’s designed to be a centerpiece of the Netflix Games catalog, launching strategically to coincide with the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This marks FIFA’s first major foray back into simulation football since its high-profile, 30-year partnership with Electronic Arts (EA) ended in 2022. For Netflix, it’s a bold statement of intent, signaling that its gaming ambitions extend far beyond mobile puzzles and into the heart of mainstream sports culture.
The End of an Era: Understanding the FIFA-EA Split
To appreciate the significance of this deal, you need to understand the seismic shift that rocked the sports gaming world just a few years ago. For nearly three decades, the name "FIFA" in gaming was synonymous with EA Sports. The partnership began in 1993 and grew into one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, with over 325 million copies sold and an estimated 150 million players.
That all changed when the two giants could not agree on the future. Reports indicate negotiations broke down after FIFA sought to significantly increase its licensing fee—to a reported $1 billion per four-year World Cup cycle. EA, which had independently secured thousands of licenses for players, teams, and leagues, decided the FIFA brand name was no longer worth the premium.
In 2023, EA released its final game under the partnership, FIFA 23, and rebranded its flagship series as EA Sports FC. The move was a risk, but it has proven successful; EA Sports FC remains a best-seller and a ubiquitous presence in real-world football broadcasting. The split left FIFA free to license its name but without a game, a developer, or the complex web of league and player rights that EA retained.
The New Game: Accessibility Over Simulation
So, what can players expect from the Netflix-FIFA collaboration? According to official announcements, the goal is not to directly compete with the deep, complex simulations of EA Sports FC.
The philosophy is centered on accessibility and instant fun. Alain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix, stated the aim is to "bring football back to its roots with something everyone can play with just the touch of a button". The game is described as "fast to learn, thrilling to master, and built for anyone to jump in," supporting both solo play and online matches.
How and Where You'll Play
- On Your TV: In a key expansion of Netflix's gaming strategy, the title will be playable on select smart TVs and streaming devices. You'll use your smartphone as a controller, similar to other Netflix party games.
- On Your Phone: A native mobile version will be available for iOS and Android devices through the Netflix app.
- The Bottom Line: All you'll need is an active Netflix subscription. The company emphasizes there will be no separate purchase, ads, or in-app purchases.
For more details straight from the source, you can read the official announcement on Netflix's Tudum site here: FIFA Arrives on Netflix Games in Time for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Meet the Developer: The Unknown Studio Taking on a Giant
One of the biggest surprises of the announcement is the choice of developer. Delphi Interactive is a relatively unknown studio that, by its own admission, has not yet released a game.
However, the studio is not starting from zero. It has been involved as "the architects" behind 007: First Light, an upcoming game from the renowned Hitman developer IO Interactive. Delphi's team includes seasoned talent from major companies like EA, Rockstar, and Microsoft. The studio's founder, Casper Daugaard, shared on LinkedIn that after working on the Bond project, the team spent over two-and-a-half years in "deep stealth" developing this new FIFA title.
"Our mission is simple: make the FIFA game the most fun, approachable, and global football game ever created," Daugaard said. It’s a monumental task, placing this new studio directly in the spotlight with one of the world's most recognizable sports brands.
What's at Stake for FIFA and Netflix
This partnership is a high-stakes experiment for both organizations, but with different goals.
For FIFA, this is the critical test of its gaming brand value in a post-EA world. President Gianni Infantino has framed the deal as a "historic step" and "the beginning of a new era of digital football". The organization aims to "reach billions of football fans" through gaming. Partnering with Netflix provides instant access to the streamer's massive global subscriber base, offering a shortcut to visibility that would take years to build independently.
The BBC provides a concise overview of FIFA's return to gaming after its split from EA. Read their report here: Fifa video game to return after four years in Netflix exclusive.
For Netflix, the FIFA game is a flagship title in its broader strategy to make gaming a core part of its service. Following its move into live sports entertainment with WWE, Netflix is building a sports ecosystem. The FIFA title is a key piece of its push to make playing games on Netflix "as normal as watching a show". By leveraging a global event like the World Cup, Netflix can attract millions of casual sports fans who might not consider themselves "gamers," introducing them to its interactive offerings.
The Road to 2026: Questions and Expectations
With the launch set for summer 2026, many details remain under wraps. Key questions include the exact release date, the full scope of team and league licenses (a major point of competition with EA Sports FC), and the specific game modes on offer.
The announcement has been met with curiosity and some skepticism from the gaming community. The mobile and TV-focused approach suggests a different audience than the traditional console gamer. The ultimate challenge for Delphi Interactive will be to create a game that is simple enough for anyone to play but deep enough to feel rewarding and authentically capture the spirit of football.
As the World Cup draws closer, all eyes will be on Netflix and Delphi Interactive. They are attempting nothing less than to redefine what a major sports game can be: not a $70 annual purchase, but an inclusive, accessible experience bundled with your monthly subscription. Whether they score a winning goal or miss an open net, the attempt itself is changing the game.