Netflix is entering the global football spotlight with an all-new FIFA simulation game set to launch exclusively on Netflix Games during the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
Developed and published by Delphi Interactive in partnership with FIFA, the title is positioned as a fast, accessible football experience designed to reach the broadest possible audience through Netflix’s existing subscriber base.
The game is being framed as a streamlined take on football simulation, emphasizing quick onboarding, approachable controls, and both solo and online play. Netflix members will be able to jump into matches directly through Netflix Games, using their mobile devices as controllers, with support planned for select smart TVs in certain regions. While details on gameplay systems remain limited, the focus is clearly on accessibility and mass appeal rather than deep, traditional sports sim complexity.
From a business perspective, the timing is notable. The FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 is expected to be one of the largest global entertainment events of the decade, spanning multiple host countries and drawing billions of viewers.
By launching a FIFA-branded game alongside the tournament, Netflix is aligning interactive content with peak global attention, leveraging the cultural momentum of the World Cup rather than competing in the traditional annual sports game release cycle.
“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, in a prepared statement. “We want to bring football back to its roots with something everyone can play with just the touch of a button.”
For Netflix, this move reinforces its broader strategy to expand gaming as a core engagement pillar rather than a standalone product line—particularly underscored by the recent Warner Bros. moves and recent focus on party games.
Over the past few years, Netflix Games has steadily added mobile-first titles tied to recognizable IP and casual-friendly mechanics, using games to increase retention and time spent within the ecosystem. A FIFA game represents one of the most globally resonant brands Netflix has partnered with to date, particularly in regions where football dominates both sports and entertainment consumption.
The announcement also reflects FIFA’s evolving post-licensing strategy. Following the end of its long-running exclusivity with EA Sports, FIFA has been exploring alternative distribution models and partnerships that prioritize reach and accessibility.
A Netflix-exclusive title offers immediate exposure to hundreds of millions of potential players, many of whom may not traditionally engage with console or PC sports games.
“As lifelong FIFA fans, we’re honored to help usher in the bold next era of this iconic franchise. Our mission is simple: make FIFA the most fun, approachable, and globally connected football game ever created,” said Casper Daugaard, founder & chief executive officer of Delphi Interactive, and Andy Kleinman, president of Delphi Interactive, in a joint prepared statement. “Together with FIFA and Netflix Games, Delphi is building a title worthy of the world’s favorite sport – one that anyone, anywhere, can pick up and instantly feel the magic of football.”
More details on gameplay, regional availability, and rollout plans are expected in 2026.