Netflix to add FIFA football video game ahead of the 2026 World Cup

After four years of being away from the screens following an acrimonious split with developer Electronic Arts (EA), FIFA video game will be back in the summer of 2026 – exclusively on Netflix Games.

The streaming giant secured the rights to the upcoming football game, and it is expected to be released ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States and Mexico, hoping to cash in on the heightened excitement around one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.

FIFA was one of the most profitable titles in EA history, but the company parted ways with the world governing body for football. EA stopped using the name in 2023 after 30 long years of association with FIFA, and re-named its game EA Sports FC.

FIFA makes streaming debut on Netflix

Netflix said the game will be developed and published by Delphi Interactive, and promises it to be “newly-reimagined”. The format will be fast to learn, thrilling to master, and built for anyone to jump in with a phone and Netflix subscription.

Delphi Interactive is also helping create a premium James Bond game called ‘007 First Light’.

Alain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix, said: “The FIFA World Cup is going to be the cultural event of 2026, and now fans will be able to celebrate their fandom by bringing the game right into their living rooms. We want to bring football back to its roots with something everyone can play with just the touch of a button.”

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, said: “FIFA is very excited to team up with Netflix Games and Delphi Interactive ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This major collaboration is a key milestone in FIFA’s commitment to innovation in the football gaming space, which aspires to reach billions of football fans of all ages everywhere in the world and will be redefining the pure notion of simulation games.

“Our reimagined game truly marks the beginning of a new era of digital football. It will be available for free to Netflix members and is a great historic step for FIFA.”