FIFA to Launch new Soccer Game on Netflix
Table of Contents
Game to launch on Netflix next year
Title will be part of a standard subscription
FIFA split with EA Sports in 2022
FIFA is returning to the video game arena after a four-year absence with a new officially licensed soccer simulation title releasing in time for next summer’s World Cup.
the as-yet-unnamed game will be exclusively available via Netflix as part of a standard subscription and is being developed by Delphi Interactive, a studio also working with IO Interactive on an upcoming James Bond game.The Verge first reported the news.
Few other details have been revealed other than that the game will be available on mobile devices and connected TVs.
“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 is very excited to team up with netflix Games and Delphi Interactive ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026,” added FIFA president Gianni Infantino. “This major collaboration is a key milestone in FIFA’s commitment to innovation in the football gaming space, which aspires to reach billions of football fans of all ages everywhere in the world and will be redefining the pure notion of simulation games.
“Our reimagined game truly marks the beginning of a new era of digital football.”
The End of an Era with EA Sports
FIFA’s hugely triumphant and lucrative partnership with EA Sports concluded in 2022 after the two sides failed to agree on new financial terms. Reports indicated that EA considered FIFA’s proposed licensing terms too restrictive, while FIFA sought to double its licensing fee to US$1 billion. sportspro details the breakdown of negotiations.
EA Sports has since rebranded its title as ‘EA FC‘.FIFA, simultaneously occurring, has launched several online and mobile titles, signaling its intention to re-enter the simulation market.
FIFA’s Expanding Partnerships
FIFA has previously been linked with a potential deal with 2K Sports and has partnered with Konami’s eFootball for the FIFAe World Cup. The global governing body also has a licensing and esports agreement with Sports Interactive’s Football Manager, with the mobile version available on Netflix.
Netflix’s World Cup Strategy
netflix’s plans for the World Cup extend beyond the new game, including a partnership with Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger to feature the “Rest is Football” soccer podcast on its platform during the tournament. The company has also collaborated with Barstool Sports as part of a broader initiative to expand its video podcast content offerings.