FIFA has confirmed a new football game in partnership with Netflix, marking another step in its attempt to re-establish a presence in video games after its split from EA. The project is being developed by Delphi Interactive and is scheduled to launch next summer, aligning with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Rather than returning with a traditional console or PC release, the game is built around streaming technology and mobile devices, reflecting a shift toward accessibility over technical complexity.
The upcoming title will stream directly to televisions through Netflix Games, with players using their smartphones as controllers. According to both companies, no dedicated console or additional hardware will be required beyond a compatible TV, a phone, and an active Netflix subscription. FIFA has confirmed that the game will support both offline and online play, including competitive modes that allow players to face friends remotely. Pricing has been framed simply as “free for Netflix members,” folding the game into the platform’s broader subscription offering.
Netflix’s involvement is part of its ongoing effort to expand beyond video streaming and build a more robust games division. While Netflix Games has so far focused on mobile-first titles, this project represents one of its most visible attempts to move gaming into the living room. Company executives have emphasized ease of entry, describing the football game as something that can be launched quickly and played without the learning curve associated with complex sports simulations.
From FIFA’s perspective, the partnership serves a different purpose. After ending its nearly 30-year licensing relationship with EA in 2023, FIFA has been exploring alternative ways to distribute football games under its own name. EA’s series continues as EA Sports FC, while FIFA has opted to license its brand across multiple projects rather than rebuild a single large-scale franchise. Working with Netflix allows FIFA to reach a global audience without relying on the traditional boxed-game model, which has become more expensive and competitive to sustain.
Development is being handled by Delphi Interactive, a California-based studio with no standalone releases under its own name. The team has contributed to external projects, including work tied to IO Interactive’s upcoming James Bond game, but this will be its highest-profile project to date. That lack of a public track record raises reasonable questions about execution, particularly given the expectations attached to the FIFA name.
Netflix has indicated that additional details will be shared in early 2026. The rollout is expected to begin on select smart TV models in limited regions before expanding more widely. For now, there is no confirmed title, no gameplay footage, and no detailed breakdown of modes or licensed content. As it stands, the announcement functions more as a statement of strategy than a full reveal, positioning the game as an accessible, mass-market football experience rather than a direct replacement for traditional FIFA simulations.
