FIFA and Netflix have confirmed they are working on a new official FIFA simulation video game which will be released just before the start of the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The title will be part of the catalog of netflixgames and can be used at no additional cost by any user with an active subscription to the platform.
With this move, the international federation and the streaming company take another step in their strategy to expand in the digital sphere, betting on a subscription-based model Instead of traditional sales by the copy, the game is conceived as an accessible product, designed for a global audience that already consumes series and films on Netflix and can now join the interactive football experience with a single touch.
A new FIFA exclusive to Netflix Games
The big novelty of this project is that the new official FIFA video game It will be distributed exclusively through netflixgamesThis means that access will be directly linked to the Netflix subscription, without additional payments or in-app purchases, something that may be especially attractive to users in Spain and the rest of Europe who already use the service regularly.
The development and publication of the title are the responsibility of Delphi InteractiveA US-based studio aims to position this project in the AAA gaming category. The company itself has highlighted that this is an opportunity for rethink the historic FIFA franchise following the split between FIFA and EA Sports in 2022, which led to the EA Sports FC series.
According to the information provided, the game will initially be focused on mobile devices, both iOS as Androidintegrated into the Netflix Games ecosystem. It will be possible to play on the big screen on many televisions. using the mobile phone as a remote control, a feature that the platform is already starting to roll out and that allows it to reach an audience that does not have a traditional console or a powerful PC.
The idea from FIFA and Netflix is ​​that this new FIFA will arrive on the market in the Summer 2026This coincides with the lead-up to the World Cup, allowing fans to follow the tournament with their own interactive experience from home. It has been announced that more specific details about game modes, licenses, and technical features will be shared throughout 2026.
An experience designed for all types of players
One of the project's central themes is the accessibilityNetflix and Delphi Interactive insist that the title aims to move away from the image of a complex simulator reserved for expert players, opting instead for a simpler control system so that anyone can start a game without complications.
The stated goal is for it to become the the most fun, accessible and international football video game To date, this has allowed people of different ages and experience levels to enjoy the game from the very first minute. It has been emphasized that it will be enough to have a Netflix account and a mobile device to be able to play, without the need for specialized hardware.
The video game will offer options for single-player and multiplayer gamesboth with friends and with other online users. The developers are working on simplified controls, focused on making the game intuitive, but without sacrificing some depth for those who want to master the mechanics and compete at a higher level.
This approach fits with Netflix Games' strategy of primarily targeting a casual and family audienceThis demographic consumes entertainment from the comfort of their living rooms and can switch between a series, a movie, and a quick game of football without changing platforms. In European markets with a strong football tradition, such as Spain, Italy, and Germany, the combination of the World Cup and accessible gaming could have a significant impact.
The context: from the end of the saga with EA Sports to a new digital era
The announcement comes after the separation between FIFA and EA Sports In 2022. Although FIFA 23 was released that year, the long-running series later adopted the name EA Sports FC. The federation, meanwhile, began exploring new ways to maintain the FIFA brand in the video game industry.
In this scenario, the alliance with Netflix represents a change of distribution modelInstead of focusing on the direct sale of each installment, FIFA is linking itself to a subscription platform with a global presence, allowing it to simultaneously reach millions of people who already use the service, including many who might not have bought a football game independently.
FIFA itself has presented this collaboration as a milestone in its digital innovation strategyWith the ambition of reaching billions of football fans of all ages and from all continents, the title is expected to help strengthen the federation's presence in the interactive environment at a time when the 2026 World Cup will further increase football's global visibility.
Meanwhile, Netflix sees this agreement as a way to boost its video game division and to differentiate themselves from other streaming platformsWith the arrival of the new FIFA to its catalog, the company reinforces the idea that the subscription not only gives access to series and movies, but also to large-scale gaming experiences, at no extra cost and without ads, something that may be a factor to consider for those who value digital entertainment as a whole.
With all these elements on the table, the new FIFA video game on Netflix Games is shaping up to be a key piece in the convergence between sports, entertainment and technologyEspecially in Europe and in countries with a strong football culture. The level of gameplay detail, the scope of the licenses, and the depth of its modes remain to be seen, but it is already known that it will arrive in time for the 2026 World Cup and that it will try to bring virtual football to a wider audience than ever before.
