In a stunning twist for football gaming fans, FIFA has officially announced its return to the video game world after a four-year hiatus, partnering with Netflix for an exclusive release timed perfectly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The untitled "reimagined FIFA football simulation game" will launch this summer on Netflix Games, free for all subscribers, marking the first official FIFA-branded title since the organization's bitter split from longtime developer Electronic Arts (EA).
The EA Split: A Costly Divorce That Reshaped Soccer Sims
The story begins in 2023, when FIFA and EA parted ways after nearly 30 years of collaboration. EA had launched the inaugural FIFA game in 1993, building it into one of gaming's most lucrative franchises with an estimated 150 million players worldwide.
However, escalating licensing fees—reportedly costing EA up to $1 billion—proved too steep, prompting the publisher to rebrand its annual soccer series as EA Sports FC starting with FC 24.
Despite losing the FIFA name, EA Sports FC 24 became the UK's best-selling game of 2023, proving the core gameplay still resonated with fans.
FIFA, meanwhile, went dark on the gaming front, leaving a void that *EA Sports FC* filled but couldn't fully replace for purists craving the official branding.
Netflix Steps In: A "New Era of Digital Football"
Enter Netflix, the streaming behemoth expanding aggressively into gaming.
The new FIFA title, developed and published by California-based studio Delphi Interactive, promises to "experience the emotion and drama of the tournament in its purest, most joyful form."
Described as "fast to learn, thrilling to master, and built for anyone to jump in," it emphasizes accessibility over hardcore simulation, with solo and online multiplayer modes.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the partnership as "a key milestone in FIFA’s commitment to innovation," adding, "Our reimagined game truly marks the beginning of a new era of digital football.
It will be available for free to Netflix members and is a great historic step for FIFA."
Netflix Games President Alain Tascan echoed the excitement: "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.
We want to bring football back to its roots with something *everyone* can play with just the touch of a button."
Meet Delphi Interactive: The Unproven Studio Taking on a Giant
At the helm is Delphi Interactive, a lean Beverly Hills studio founded around 2020 by Casper Daugaard (CEO) and Andy Kleinman (President, former Zynga executive).
Yet to release a standalone game, Delphi boasts experience as co-developer on IO Interactive's upcoming James Bond title, 007: First Light (slated for March 2026).
The studio positions itself as a "redefining" force in AAA gaming, pairing iconic IPs with "top-tier creative talent and cutting-edge technology" in a "de-risked" model.
Daugaard, a self-proclaimed "lifelong FIFA fan," shared his vision: "Football is the biggest thing in the world...
Our mission is simple: Make the FIFA game the most fun, approachable, and global football game ever created."
Kleinman added, "Together with FIFA and Netflix Games, Delphi is building a game worthy of the world’s favorite sport—a game that anyone, anywhere, can pick up and instantly feel the magic of football."
Platforms: Mobile-First, TV-Friendly
True to Netflix's mobile gaming roots, the title launches exclusively via the Netflix app on iOS and Android.
It also supports select smart TVs, where players use their phones as controllers—seamlessly integrating gameplay alongside binge-watching.
Initial rollout is limited to certain countries and TVs, with broader expansion planned.
No traditional consoles or PC at launch, signaling a pivot toward casual, cloud-like accessibility over high-end sim depth.
Fan Reactions: Excitement Tempered by Skepticism
Social media buzz has been lively but divided. While some celebrate the FIFA name's revival, others decry the mobile focus and untested developer.
"FIFA should never have left EA," one X user lamented, while another urged, "Let's see what the new game's got."
With EA Sports FC 25 likely dominating consoles, Netflix's entry could carve a niche for casual fans—or flop if it skimps on authenticity.
What’s Next for FIFA Gaming?
More gameplay reveals are promised in 2026, building hype for the World Cup co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
This Netflix exclusive could redefine FIFA's digital legacy, blending streaming and gaming to reach billions.
Whether it scores a hat-trick or an own-goal remains to be seen—but for now, the beautiful game is back. ⚽
