FIFA video games are making a noteworthy return after a significant hiatus, marking their re-entry into the gaming landscape for the first time in four years. Scheduled for release in 2026, this game comes on the heels of a tumultuous break following the split between FIFA and its longtime developer, Electronic Arts (EA). Notably, it is Netflix that has secured the rights to publish this upcoming game, which is a departure from traditional gaming publishers and is indicative of the evolving nature of the gaming industry, especially in relation to streaming platforms.
Previously, FIFA was synonymous with the highly profitable FIFA video game franchise, which enjoyed a stellar reputation and monumental success in the gaming world for nearly three decades. That period ended in 2023 when EA Sports decided to discontinue using the FIFA name due to increasing licensing costs and ultimately rebranded its best-selling title as EA Sports FC. This marked the end of an era in gaming, begging the question of how the world would engage with football-themed video games moving forward.
Netflix announced that the new FIFA game will be developed and published by Delphi Interactive, a studio that has yet to release any game highlighting its potential in game development. The game is slated to launch prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which signifies a strategic move to leverage the heightened interest in football during this global event.
Reflecting on gameplay accessibility, Netflix revealed that the new FIFA title will allow subscribers to play online through the Netflix app, compatible with iOS and Android devices and some smart television sets—accomplished by using mobile phones as controllers. This innovative mobile-first approach echoes the trends seen in various sectors of the entertainment industry, where convenient access often leads to greater user engagement.
The FIFA video game franchise, which began with its first release by EA Sports in 1993, gathered a fanbase of approximately 150 million players globally over its lifespan. This astonishing figure speaks volumes about how deeply ingrained FIFA has become within the gaming culture. Even after the branding shift to EA FC, the franchise maintained its popularity, evidenced by EA FC 24 emerging as the best-selling game in the UK in 2023, indicating a robust relationship between gamers and football titles.
FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, expressed palpable enthusiasm regarding this newfound partnership with Netflix. He referred to this collaboration as a promising start to a new era in digital football, underscoring its importance as a historic milestone for FIFA. Infantino emphasized that the game would be provided for free to Netflix members, setting expectations high for what could become a pivotal addition to the platform.
In addition to this FIFA title, Delphi Interactive is also collaborating with IO Interactive to develop a new James Bond game, 007: First Light, which showcases the studio’s expansion into diverse gaming realms. Casper Daugaard, the chief of Delphi, claimed that as lifelong FIFA enthusiasts, the team’s primary objective is to create “the most fun, approachable, and global football game ever created.”
However, the reaction to the announcement has not been universally positive, with some football game aficionados expressing skepticism about whether the mobile-centric focus suits the legacy of the FIFA franchise. Social media reactions have been varied, with community voices – like those on platform X – noting concerns about FIFA’s departure from its traditional publisher, EA. Discussions continue in digital circles as fans await further revelations about the upcoming game, eagerly anticipating what new features may be introduced.
In summary, the return of FIFA to video gaming under Netflix’s banner presents a transformative chapter in the history of the franchise. With a novel distribution model and a focus on mobile play, the stage is set for FIFA to potentially reshape how sports gaming is perceived and played, all while aligning itself with an upcoming global sports phenomenon—the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The blend of multiple media forms is likely to challenge traditional boundaries in gaming and entertainment.
