Netflix, the global streaming giant, is set to release a new FIFA game in partnership with the football governing body before the 2026 World Cup. This announcement comes after EA Sports' official end to its FIFA era with FIFA 23 being their last game under the namesake.
EA Sports has been synonymous with football video games for decades. However, this long-standing relationship came to an end when they closed their online servers for FIFA 23, marking it as their final game under the iconic brand name.
While fans may be disappointed by EA's departure from the scene, there is exciting news on the horizon. Netflix has stepped into this space by partnering with FIFA to release a new mobile-only video game. This move signifies a significant shift in how sports games are delivered and consumed.
Key features of the upcoming game
The upcoming title will be playable exclusively on Netflix mobile phones for subscribers who maintain an active subscription. Developed by Delphi Interactive - known for assisting IO Interactive on First Light 007 - this new venture promises to offer something different from previous EA FC games.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said:
“This major collaboration is a key milestone in FIFA’s commitment to innovation in the football gaming space, which aspires to reach billions of football fans of all ages everywhere in the world and will be redefining the pure notion of simulation games.
“Our reimagined game truly marks the beginning of a new era of digital football. It will be available for free to Netflix members and is a great historic step for FIFA.”
According to Netflix's statement, the upcoming game is designed with players in mind. It promises a fast-learning curve, ensuring that even beginners can quickly grasp the gameplay mechanics. For seasoned gamers, there are thrilling mastery levels to conquer, providing an exciting challenge for those seeking more advanced play. Furthermore, the game is built with easy accessibility as a key feature, making it possible for anyone interested in football to jump right into the action and start playing. Moreover, players will have options to play solo or engage online with friends.
Release timeline & expectations
The much-awaited title is slated for release just in time for kick-off at the 2026 World Cup – no later than June 11th, 2026. This strategic timing aims at capitalizing on heightened global interest around one of football's biggest events.
This isn't all that's brewing in terms of gaming collaborations around the 2026 World Cup. FIFA has also entered into a multi-year partnership with Football Manager for a fully licensed World Cup mode, further expanding its gaming footprint.
The upcoming Netflix-FIFA collaboration marks an exciting new chapter in the world of sports gaming. As we bid farewell to EA's FIFA era, we look forward to seeing how this new mobile-only game will reshape the landscape and offer fans a fresh way to engage with their favorite sport.
