Netflix’s Next Big Game Is a FIFA Soccer Series
▼ Summary
– Netflix and FIFA are collaborating to launch a new soccer simulation game in 2026 to coincide with the FIFA World Cup.
– The game will be available exclusively on Netflix Games, featuring both solo and online play controlled from a phone.
– It is being developed and published by Delphi Interactive as part of Netflix’s expanding TV games lineup.
– This follows EA ending its partnership with the FIFA brand for its soccer game series in 2023.
– FIFA is also working on a separate, more arcade-style game called FIFA Heroes, also scheduled for a 2026 release.
With the FIFA World Cup set to capture global attention in 2026, Netflix is preparing a major new entry into the gaming world. The streaming giant has announced a partnership with FIFA to launch an exclusive soccer simulation game on its Netflix Games platform. This move represents a significant expansion of Netflix’s interactive entertainment offerings, aiming to capitalize on the massive cultural moment of the tournament. The game will be developed and published by Delphi Interactive and will feature both solo and online multiplayer modes, all playable directly from a user’s smartphone.
Netflix games president Alain Tascan emphasized the accessibility of the upcoming title, stating the goal is to bring football back to its roots with an experience everyone can play with just a touch of a button. He described the World Cup as the cultural event of 2026 and expressed that this game will allow fans to celebrate their passion by bringing the action into their living rooms. The announcement marks a notable strategic push for Netflix Games, which continues to build its library of titles included with a standard subscription.
This new project arrives in a transformed landscape for soccer video games. For decades, the FIFA brand was synonymous with Electronic Arts’ (EA) hugely popular series. However, that partnership ended, with EA releasing its 2023 soccer title under the new “EA Sports FC” name after parting ways with the international governing body. FIFA, now free from that exclusive arrangement, is exploring its own gaming ventures. Alongside the Netflix simulation game, FIFA is also developing a separate title called FIFA Heroes, described by reports as a more arcade-style experience slated for a 2026 launch. This positions the organization to compete directly in the digital sports arena it once licensed exclusively.
The Netflix-FIFA collaboration signals a broader trend of major entertainment platforms investing heavily in gaming. By securing a high-profile sports simulation tied to a global event, Netflix aims to attract and retain subscribers while offering a unique value proposition. The success of this title could influence how other streaming services approach interactive content, potentially making gaming a standard pillar of the subscription bundle. For soccer fans, it promises a new, accessible way to engage with the sport during one of its most exciting periods.
(Source: The Verge)
