In a major shift for sports gaming, FIFA has announced a partnership with Netflix to launch a new football simulation game exclusively on the streaming giant's platform in 2026.
A New Challenger Enters the Pitch
The confirmation came directly from Netflix on December 17, 2025, revealing plans for a "newly reimagined" title set to launch in the summer of 2026. This strategic move is timed to coincide with the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This marks FIFA's most significant gaming venture since its high-profile split from long-time partner EA Sports, which rebranded its iconic series to EA Sports FC. While FIFA previously released the arcade-style FIFA Heroes with developer ENVER, the Netflix project represents its first serious attempt to re-enter the simulation football market.
What We Know About the Game
The untitled project will be developed and published by Delphi Interactive, a studio known for its work with IO Interactive on the upcoming 007: First Light. The game will be available at no extra cost to Netflix subscribers, aligning with the platform's current games strategy.
However, expectations should be tempered for those anticipating a direct console rival to EA's offering. Netflix describes the game's format as "fast to learn, thrilling to master, and built for anyone to jump in", suggesting a more accessible, possibly simplified experience. Like other Netflix Games, it will be played through the streaming service, typically using a mobile device as a controller, though it will support both solo and online multiplayer modes.
Casper Daugaard, founder and CEO of Delphi Interactive, stated: "Our mission is simple: Make the FIFA game the most fun, approachable, and global football game ever created."
Strategic Moves in a Competitive Market
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the collaboration as a "key milestone in FIFA’s commitment to innovation", aimed at reaching billions of fans worldwide. He called it a "great historic step" that would redefine simulation games.
This announcement follows Netflix's broader push into gaming, which includes its existing library featuring Football Manager 2024 Mobile and a recent, though separate, bid to acquire Warner Bros. Games. The partnership poses a novel challenge to EA Sports FC by targeting Netflix's vast, casual subscriber base rather than competing directly on traditional gaming consoles.
The gaming landscape is set for a fascinating clash in 2026, as the established titan, EA Sports FC, faces a new, widely accessible contender from an unexpected alliance between football's global governing body and the world's leading streaming service.
