The iconic football series returns from hiatus with a World Cup tie-in, but you’ll need a Netflix account to play.
After a four-year absence, the official FIFA video game is set to make a dramatic comeback in 2026, timed to coincide with the FIFA World Cup. In a major shift for the historic brand, the game will be released exclusively through Netflix Games, free for all Netflix subscribers.
The game promises a simple, social experience. Players will be able to launch it directly on their televisions, using their smartphones as controllers, and compete in solo or online multiplayer modes. This accessibility is central to the partnership’s vision.
“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, Netflix’s President of Games. “We want to bring football back to its roots with something everyone can play with just the touch of a button.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino framed the deal as a fresh start. “This… marks the beginning of a new era of digital football,” he said, emphasizing the goal to reach “billions of football fans of all ages everywhere in the world.”
The game will be developed by the new studio Delphi Interactive, which has yet to release a title. Initially, it will be available only on select TV models in certain countries, with plans to expand availability over time.
The revival marks FIFA’s latest attempt to rebuild its gaming presence since its high-profile split with Electronic Arts (EA) in 2022. EA has since continued its popular soccer series under the new name EA Sports FC, while FIFA’s brand has struggled to regain its footing in the industry.
For Netflix, this exclusive partnership represents a major play to attract and engage subscribers through a globally beloved sporting event, offering a new kind of interactive entertainment directly on the TV screen.
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