After a four-year absence from the video game world, FIFA is making a bold return to football gaming in 2026, but not in the way fans might have expected. Instead of a console blockbuster developed by a traditional gaming giant, the iconic football brand is partnering with Netflix Games to launch a newly reimagined FIFA football simulation game exclusive to Netflix subscribers and designed for mobile devices and select smart TVs. Inside FIFA+1
This announcement marks a historic shift in how video games are distributed, played, and consumed bringing one of the world’s most recognizable sports franchises into the realm of streaming entertainment, where “play” meets “watch.” Here’s everything you need to know about the unexpected comeback of FIFA in gaming.
A New Era Begins: FIFA + Netflix Games
In December 2025, FIFA and Netflix Games confirmed that a brand-new FIFA title is officially in development. It’s being created by Delphi Interactive, a California-based studio that, while relatively new to game development, has been gaining attention for its work on projects like 007: First Light alongside IO Interactive. Inside FIFA+1
This new game is described as a reimagined football simulation built to be:
- Fast to learn
- Thrilling to master
- Accessible to players of all ages and skill levels
Netflix is positioning the title as a digital experience that complements the massive FIFA World Cup 2026™, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Inside FIFA
FIFA President Gianni Infantino shared that the partnership with Netflix Games is “a key milestone in our commitment to innovation in the football gaming space” and that the new title aims to “redefine the pure notion of simulation games.” Inside FIFA
Why It Matters: The Return of FIFA After the Split With EA Sports
For nearly 30 years, Electronic Arts (EA) was the exclusive publisher of FIFA-branded games, beginning with the first FIFA International Soccer in 1993. That long-running relationship came to an end in 2023 when EA chose to abandon the FIFA name due to licensing disputes, leading to the creation of the successful EA Sports FC franchise instead. Inside FIFA
Since that split, FIFA fans have been left without an official FIFA-branded video game until now. The last classic FIFA title, FIFA 23, was released in 2022, and its licensed servers were shut down in October 2025, marking the end of an era. EGW.News
The return of FIFA to gaming, now through Netflix, marks a full-circle moment and opens the door for a new kind of experience that embraces streaming distribution rather than traditional console or PC sales.
How You’ll Play It: Platforms and Accessibility
Netflix’s version of the FIFA game is set up very differently from traditional football sims such as FIFA or EA Sports FC:
Mobile-First Experience
The game will be playable on iOS and Android phones through the Netflix app, using intuitive controls that don’t require external hardware. Yahoo Sports
Play on Smart TVs
In select countries, players can also enjoy the game on smart TVs with their phones acting as controllers. This approach means no console, PC, or dedicated gaming device is needed, making the experience far more accessible to a broad audience. Yahoo Sports
Online Play and Social Gaming
The title will support online multiplayer, allowing you to play against friends or other gamers around the world a feature expected to make social gaming central to the experience. Dexerto
Free With Subscription
Importantly, the new FIFA game will be included with a Netflix membership at no extra cost, making it one of the few big-brand games offered without additional purchase. Dexerto
A Shift in Strategy: Football Gaming for Everyone
Netflix’s football game is geared toward being approachable and joyful rather than complex or hardcore a philosophy that CEO and developer statements have repeatedly echoed. The aim is to make gameplay fun and immediate, with a “pick up and play” feel that doesn’t require years of skill development.
This mobile-first, streaming-integrated strategy highlights Netflix’s attempt to redefine how games are played for the broadest possible audience from casual fans to devoted football lovers. Hypebeast
Mixed Reactions From Fans and Gamers
The response to the announcement has been mixed.
On one hand, many fans are excited to see the FIFA name back in official gaming after years of uncertainty. There’s a sense that the sport needs a flagship title tied directly to the FIFA World Cup and its global appeal. License Global
But others are cautious, questioning whether Netflix’s mobile-centric focus will satisfy fans accustomed to deep, console-level football simulations. Some gamers on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have expressed skepticism about a studio with limited published titles handling such a major franchise and whether the mobile game will match the depth of previous FIFA titles. Reddit
Despite differing opinions, there’s no denying that this marks a significant experiment in sports gaming distribution.
Looking Ahead: The World Cup Connection
Timing is critical here. Netflix and FIFA are aligning the game’s launch with the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, arguably the most important global sporting event in the world. When millions of fans are already tuning in to watch the tournament, Netflix aims to make this the first time many will also play their favourite sport on the same platform where they stream entertainment. Inside FIFA
This strategic timing could create an incredibly impactful moment for both Netflix Games and FIFA – potentially attracting millions of users and redefining how major sports franchises approach gaming distribution.
What’s Next?
At this stage, many of the detailed gameplay features, monetization mechanics, and full global release plans remain under wraps. It’s expected that more information will be revealed in 2026, closer to the game’s planned summer launch. Yahoo Sports
Players will be watching closely not just for gameplay details, but also for how the game integrates league and team licences, player likenesses, and competitive modes elements that have historically made football simulations deeply engaging.
