FIFA is back in the gaming scene, but this time, it’s not with EA. A new FIFA Netflix deal is bringing an official football game to Netflix Games, timed perfectly with the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA Netflix game arrives in time for World Cup 2026
Netflix has locked in an exclusive partnership with FIFA for a brand-new football title. Set to launch in summer 2026, the game will coincide with the real-world tournament in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Developed by Delphi Interactive, the FIFA-branded title will be part of the standard Netflix Games lineup meaning subscribers can jump in without paying anything extra.
On smart TVs, players will use their smartphones as controllers. On mobile, the game will be available as a native app. Netflix says it’s built for quick matches, not hardcore realism focusing on accessible gameplay that works for casual fans and football newcomers alike.
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FIFA Netflix game follows EA split after 30 years
This move follows the end of FIFA’s decades-long partnership with EA Sports, which dissolved in 2022 after clashes over licensing rights and fees. EA kept its leagues, players, and teams, rebranding its franchise as EA Sports FC. FIFA, meanwhile, walked away with its name and global branding power.
The Netflix deal marks the first time FIFA has used its license for a standalone football sim since the breakup and the first time it’s targeting such a massive audience through streaming platforms.
Here’s what the shift brings:
- Exclusive to Netflix Games
- No added cost for subscribers
- Playable on TV with phone as controller
- Native mobile versions for iOS and Android
- Solo and online multiplayer support
Netflix doubles down on games with FIFA as a flagship
For Netflix, the FIFA partnership is a bold signal. After dabbling in mobile tie-ins, the company is pushing harder into TV-friendly interactive experiences. Recent launches like Oxenfree II, Death’s Door, and 007: First Light hinted at deeper ambitions but this is on a whole other level.
By attaching the FIFA name to a global event, Netflix isn’t just entering the sports space. It’s telling subscribers that gaming is no longer a side dish it’s part of the main menu.
FIFA Netflix deal kicks off a new chapter for both brands
For FIFA, this is a high-stakes bet on name recognition. The game’s success will show whether the brand still holds power in gaming without EA’s simulation engine behind it.
For Netflix, it’s a leap from passive watching to interactive play. The FIFA Netflix title could be the first time millions of users take a game as seriously as a binge-worthy show and that’s exactly the point.
