FIFA Makes Its Gaming Comeback Through Netflix Games Ahead of the 2026 World Cup
FIFA is officially returning to the gaming world, and this time it is partnering with Netflix Games. A newly reimagined FIFA football game is scheduled to launch in 2026, timed to coincide with the excitement of the FIFA World Cup. The upcoming title will be available exclusively to Netflix members, at no additional cost.
The game is being developed and published by Delphi Interactive and is designed with accessibility in mind. According to Netflix, players will be able to jump in easily using just their phones, whether playing solo or competing online with friends. This approach reflects Netflix’s goal of creating games that are simple to access while still offering engaging experiences.
Ending Years of Speculation After the EA Split
This announcement finally puts an end to years of speculation following the high-profile split between FIFA and Electronic Arts in 2022. Since then, fans have been wondering who would take over the iconic football gaming license, with persistent rumours pointing toward potential partnerships with major publishers such as 2K Games.
However, those rumours eventually faded. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick previously explained that creating a traditional FIFA-style simulation is far more complex than it appears. The FIFA license alone does not include rights to players, clubs, or leagues, making a full-scale simulation extremely challenging without multiple additional agreements.
Why Netflix Is the Right Fit for FIFA
By partnering directly with Netflix, FIFA appears to have found a platform that aligns with its global reach. Netflix has been steadily expanding its games catalogue and has already begun experimenting with playing games on TVs while using smartphones as controllers. A FIFA-branded football game fits perfectly into this strategy, given the sport’s worldwide popularity and mass appeal.
FIFA is changing the game.
— Netflix (@netflix) December 17, 2025
Get ready for a newly reimagined FIFA football simulation game developed by Delphi Interactive exclusively on Netflix Games this summer — just in time for FIFA World Cup 2026™. pic.twitter.com/i4SRfbKrd7
This move also reflects Netflix’s broader ambitions beyond streaming. As the company aggressively invests in entertainment and gaming—and with reports of talks to acquire Warner Bros.—Netflix is positioning itself as a major force across multiple media industries.
A New Chapter for the FIFA Franchise
For now, FIFA’s return through Netflix Games marks a new era for the franchise. While details about gameplay modes and features remain limited, more information is expected to be revealed sometime in 2026. With the World Cup approaching and Netflix’s platform continuing to grow, FIFA’s gaming comeback could reach a wider audience than ever before.
.png)
