FIFA and Netflix Games Partner on New Football Title Ahead of World Cup 2026.

Roger Hampel

Image: FIFA

FIFA has announced a new digital gaming partnership with Netflix Games, launching a reimagined FIFA football simulation title timed for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The game will be available exclusively to Netflix subscribers and developed by Delphi Interactive, marking FIFA’s latest move to reposition its gaming strategy following changes in the football video game market.

The release is scheduled for summer 2026, coinciding with the World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

A Platform-Led Approach to Football Gaming FIFA Netflix Games

Unlike traditional console-focused football games, the new FIFA title will be distributed entirely within Netflix’s gaming ecosystem. Access will be limited to Netflix members and designed primarily for mobile play, with the option to play solo or online with others.

From a business perspective, the move reflects FIFA’s shift toward platform-based distribution, prioritising reach and accessibility over unit sales. The model leverages Netflix’s global subscriber base rather than relying on standalone game monetisation.

Netflix Games Continues Portfolio Expansion

For Netflix, the partnership fits into its broader strategy of expanding Games as a complementary product alongside film and series content. FIFA joins a growing catalogue of games offered at no additional cost to subscribers, accessible via mobile devices and, increasingly, through TV interfaces using smartphones as controllers.

The inclusion of a globally recognised sports brand supports Netflix’s objective of increasing engagement time within its ecosystem, particularly during major cultural moments such as the World Cup.

Repositioning the FIFA Gaming Brand

The new game represents FIFA’s attempt to rebuild its gaming presence following the end of its long-standing partnership with EA Sports. Rather than immediately competing in the high-budget console simulation space, FIFA is opting for a lighter, more casual-first product, positioned as fast to learn and broadly accessible.

Delphi Interactive as Development Partner

The game is being developed and published by Delphi Interactive, an independent studio tasked with reimagining the FIFA gaming experience for a wider audience. The partnership places Delphi at the centre of FIFA’s next phase in gaming, though no details have been disclosed regarding long-term licensing structures or future titles beyond the 2026 release.