Fifa is returning to the video game arena after a four-year absence with a new officially licensed soccer simulation title releasing in time for next summer’s World Cup.
The as-yet-unnamed game will be exclusively available via Netflix as part of a standard subscription and is being developed by Delphi Interactive, a studio that is working with IO Interactive on an upcoming James Bond game.
Few other details have been revealed other than that the game will be available on mobile devices and connected TVs.
“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,” said Alain Tascan, president of games at Netflix. “We want to bring football back to its roots with something everyone can play with just the touch of a button.”
“Fifa is very excited to team up with Netflix Games and Delphi Interactive ahead of the Fifa World Cup 2026,” added Fifa president Gianni Infantino. “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.”
Fifa’s hugely successful and lucrative partnership with EA Sports concluded in 2022 after the two sides failed to agree new financial terms. It was understood that EA considered Fifa’s proposed licensing terms too restrictive, while Fifa is understood to have wanted to double its licensing fee of US$1 billion.
The publishing giant has since rebranded its title as ‘EA FC’, while Fifa has launched a slew of online and mobile titles but has indicated its desire to return to the simulation market.
Fifa has previously been linked with a deal with 2K Sports, while it has partnered with Konami’s eFootball for the FifaE World Cup. Soccer’s global governing body has also inked a licensing and esports tie-up with Sports Interactive’s Football Manager, the mobile version of which is also available via Netflix.
Netflix’s plans for the World Cup also include a partnership with Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger to bring the Rest is Football soccer podcast to its platform during the tournament. The company has also signed a deal with Barstool Sports as part of a wider push into video podcast content.
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