FIFA is officially stepping back into the football video game spotlight and this time, it’s doing so with one of the world’s most powerful entertainment platforms. After a four-year absence from the simulation gaming market, football’s global governing body has announced a new partnership with Netflix to launch an officially licensed FIFA football game ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The move marks a bold new chapter for FIFA following its high-profile split with EA Sports in 2022. Rather than attempting to directly replicate the traditional console experience fans associate with the old FIFA series, the new title signals a shift toward accessibility, mobile-first design, and global reach.
A New FIFA Game But With a Different Strategy
The yet-to-be-named FIFA football game will launch in 2026 and will be exclusive to Netflix, available at no additional cost as part of a standard subscription. According to early details, the game will be playable on mobile devices and connected TVs, reflecting Netflix’s expanding ambitions in interactive entertainment.
Development is being handled by Delphi Interactive, a studio currently collaborating with IO Interactive on an upcoming James Bond title a partnership that suggests a serious commitment to production quality.
While few gameplay specifics have been revealed, the messaging from both FIFA and Netflix makes one thing clear: this will not be a traditional console rival to EA Sports FC, but rather a reimagined football experience designed for a broader audience.
Netflix’s Growing Gaming Ambitions
Netflix’s push into gaming has been steady but strategic. Over the past few years, the streaming giant has added dozens of mobile games to its platform, all included with subscriptions and free of ads or in-app purchases.
According to Alain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix, the FIFA partnership aligns perfectly with the company’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.”
Tascan emphasized simplicity and accessibility, noting that Netflix wants football games to feel intuitive — something “everyone can play with just the touch of a button.”
This philosophy reflects Netflix’s broader strategy: reduce friction, eliminate monetisation barriers, and rely on content value to drive subscriptions and retention.
Why FIFA Chose Netflix
FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the deal as a milestone in the organization’s digital transformation.
“This major collaboration is a key milestone in FIFA’s commitment to innovation in the football gaming space.”
Infantino also suggested that the new game will aim to reach billions of football fans worldwide, redefining what a football simulation can be in the modern digital era.
For FIFA, Netflix offers several advantages:
- Massive global reach
- Built-in distribution across devices
- No need for aggressive in-game monetisation
- Direct alignment with World Cup content
Instead of relying on traditional retail or console ecosystems, FIFA is leveraging a platform already embedded in millions of households.
Life After EA Sports: A Long Road Back
FIFA’s partnership with EA Sports, one of the most lucrative licensing deals in gaming history, ended in 2022 after negotiations over financial terms broke down. Reports at the time suggested FIFA wanted to double its licensing fee to US$1 billion, while EA viewed the terms as overly restrictive.
Since then:
- EA rebranded its franchise as EA Sports FC, which has continued to perform strongly.
- FIFA experimented with online and mobile titles but lacked a true simulation flagship.
- Rumours linked FIFA with 2K Sports, though no major deal materialised.
The Netflix partnership signals FIFA’s return but on its own terms.
Not Competing Head-On with EA And That’s the Point
Industry analysts are quick to point out that a mobile-first FIFA game is not a direct competitor to EA Sports FC on consoles and PC. Instead, it reflects the realities of modern gaming:
- Mobile gaming dominates in many regions, especially in emerging markets.
- Development timelines for AAA console titles are long and expensive.
- Brand loyalty around EA’s football franchise remains strong.
Rather than challenge EA head-to-head, FIFA is choosing a parallel path one focused on scale, accessibility, and integration with entertainment content.
A Broader World Cup Content Strategy
The FIFA game announcement is part of a wider Netflix push surrounding the 2026 World Cup.
Netflix has already:
- Partnered with Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger to bring The Rest Is Football podcast to the platform.
- Signed deals with Barstool Sports to expand into video podcasting.
- Made the Football Manager Mobile title available through Netflix Games.
- Partnered with Konami’s eFootball for the FIFAe World Cup esports competition.
Together, these moves suggest Netflix is positioning itself as a central hub for football content across games, podcasts, documentaries, and live-adjacent experiences.
What This Means for Fans
For football fans, the partnership offers several potential benefits:
- No extra cost beyond an existing Netflix subscription
- No ads or microtransactions
- Instant access across devices
- A game designed for casual and global audiences
While hardcore simulation players may still gravitate toward EA Sports FC, FIFA’s Netflix game could introduce millions of new players to interactive football especially those who might never buy a console.
The Bigger Picture: Sports, Streaming, and Games Converge
The FIFA-Netflix deal reflects a larger industry trend: the convergence of sports, streaming, and interactive media.
As streaming platforms search for new ways to retain users, games tied to major cultural events like the World Cup become powerful engagement tools. For rights holders like FIFA, streaming platforms offer reach, data, and flexibility that traditional publishers can’t always match.
This partnership may not replace traditional football games but it could redefine how fans engage with the sport digitally.
Conclusion: A New Era of Digital Football
FIFA’s return to gaming with Netflix is less about nostalgia and more about evolution. By embracing mobile platforms, subscription-based distribution, and global accessibility, FIFA is betting on a future where football games are as easy to access as watching a match.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, this collaboration could become one of the most significant experiments in sports gaming and a blueprint for how global sports brands reinvent themselves in the digital age.
Related Links & Sources
You can include or hyperlink the following authoritative sources:
- SportsPro Media – Industry analysis on FIFA, Netflix, and sports business
https://www.sportspromedia.com - Netflix Games – Official announcements and game catalogue
https://about.netflix.com - FIFA (Official Website) – Statements, licensing, and digital initiatives
https://www.fifa.com - EA Sports FC – Post-FIFA rebrand and franchise performance
https://www.ea.com - Konami eFootball – FIFAe World Cup partnership
https://www.konami.com - Football Manager (Sports Interactive) – Mobile football management titles
https://www.footballmanager.com
