The global anticipation for the FIFA World Cup continues to build as the next tournament, scheduled for 2026, draws near. In conjunction with this worldwide celebration of sport, entertainment giant Netflix and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) have announced a collaboration on a brand-new soccer simulation video game. Designed to honor and amplify the excitement surrounding the tournament, the game will mark a unique fusion between cinematic storytelling and interactive play, expanding Netflix’s presence beyond streaming into dynamic, immersive gaming experiences.
According to an official statement from Netflix, the game will debut exclusively through the Netflix Games platform during the summer when fans and nations across the globe unite to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026. Emphasizing accessibility and innovation, the company noted that players will be able to experience a newly reimagined version of a FIFA football simulation, playable directly from their mobile devices. This title will feature both single-player and multiplayer online modes, offering options for individual practice as well as global competitive play. Developed and published by Delphi Interactive, the project will represent one of the most significant steps in Netflix’s expanding library of interactive and television-related games, positioning the company as a more comprehensive entertainment ecosystem that merges streaming with gameplay seamlessly.
Alain Tascan, president of Netflix Games, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, describing the upcoming World Cup as the defining cultural moment of 2026. He emphasized that, through this initiative, fans will have an unprecedented opportunity to extend their engagement with the tournament from the stadium to their own living rooms. Tascan further explained that the goal is to rekindle the original spirit of football—a sport universally loved for its simplicity and inclusivity—by creating an experience that anyone can enjoy with merely the touch of a button. His statement underscored Netflix’s commitment to accessible design, ensuring that both long-time gamers and casual football enthusiasts can find enjoyment in the same digital arena.
Historically, the FIFA brand was long associated with Electronic Arts’ (EA) globally popular soccer game series, a partnership that defined virtual football for decades. However, that collaboration came to an end when EA released its 2023 edition under a new name, effectively detaching from the FIFA license. Following that split, FIFA has sought to redefine its digital identity by pursuing new creative partnerships and diversifying its gaming portfolio. Beyond the upcoming Netflix title, the organization is also developing a separate video game called “FIFA Heroes,” which, according to ESPN, will offer a more arcade-inspired experience compared to EA’s traditional simulation series. Scheduled for release in 2026, FIFA Heroes aims to provide a quicker, more casual style of gameplay while preserving the essence of the sport for players seeking variety.
Together, these ventures signal a significant shift in the global gaming and sports entertainment landscape. Netflix’s collaboration with FIFA represents more than a licensing deal—it highlights the growing convergence of digital media, streaming technology, and interactive gaming, all centered around the world’s most beloved sport. As the World Cup approaches, audiences can look forward to not only watching the matches that capture the world’s imagination but also participating in the digital excitement, embodying the spirit of football in a new and innovative way.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/845965/netflix-fifa-soccer-football-game-tv-delphi-interactive-world-cup
