December 18 – This summer, Netflix Games will launch a new FIFA football simulation, available exclusively to Netflix subscribers during the 2026 World Cup.
Built by Delphi Interactive, the game is designed to be accessible and playable by anyone with a mobile phone.
It’s a shift for FIFA, which has spent decades tying its gaming identity to traditional console releases and premium titles, most notably with EA Sports’ licensed FIFA titles.
EA Sports was paying about $150 million a year to license the FIFA name but baulked at the reported $1 billion license fee FIFA demanded at the end of 2021. Since then EA Sports has launched EA FC and is even more domineering in the football egames space.
FIFA was left red-faced and looking at the gaping financial hole left by EA Sports, who until that point had been by far the governing body’s biggest licensee. FIFA promised that they would come back with something bigger and better in egaming but have so far failed to get anywhere close. The new deal with Konami is never likely get to close to being a credible challenge to either EA FC or EA Sports relationships.
However, partnering with Netflix might at last move the needle in FIFA’s direction.
“The FIFA World Cup is going to be the cultural event of 2026, and now fans will be able to celebrate their fandom by bringing the game right into their living rooms,” said Alain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix. “We want to bring football back to its roots with something everyone can play with just the touch of a button.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino framed the partnership as part of a broader reset in how the sport approaches gaming. “FIFA is very excited to team up with Netflix Games and Delphi Interactive ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said.
“This major collaboration is a key milestone in FIFA’s commitment to innovation in the football gaming space… 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.”
For Delphi Interactive, the appeal is obvious. “Football is the biggest thing in the world,” said Founder and CEO Casper Daugaard. “As lifelong FIFA fans, we’re honoured to help usher in the bold, next generation and reimagine the future of the franchise.” President Andy Kleinman added, “Together with FIFA and Netflix Games, Delphi is building a game worthy of the world’s favourite sport.”
Netflix recently secured rights to future World Cups, making this new partnership a foundation for a different fan experience in FIFA’s next gaming chapter.
Either way, FIFA’s latest collaboration could mean the death of console wars, replaced by a phone in the hand and World Cup on the screen.