After a four-year hiatus, FIFA is making a highly anticipated return to video games in 2026 — but this time, it’s coming through Netflix rather than a traditional game publisher.

The popular football franchise parted ways with Electronic Arts (EA) in 2023 over licensing issues and high costs. EA subsequently rebranded its series as EA Sports FC, which quickly became a commercial success. Despite the split, FIFA remains one of the most recognized names in digital football, with millions of players worldwide.

---

Netflix Secures FIFA Rights

Netflix announced it has acquired the exclusive rights to the FIFA video game franchise and will release the new title ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The game will be developed by Delphi Interactive, a studio that has yet to release a commercial title but is collaborating with IO Interactive on the upcoming James Bond game 007: First Light.

According to Delphi’s CEO Casper Daugaard, the goal is to create “the most fun, approachable, and global football game ever created”, appealing to both casual and hardcore players.

---

Mobile-First Gameplay

The upcoming FIFA game will be playable directly via the Netflix app on iOS and Android devices, and on select TVs using a smartphone as a controller. Netflix confirmed that the game will be free for all subscribers, marking a major shift in how FIFA will reach its audience.

While some fans are excited about a new era for FIFA, others have expressed skepticism over the mobile-first approach and departure from EA’s console-based titles. On social media, one user commented:

“FIFA should never have left EA. Let’s see what the new game’s got.”

---

FIFA and EA: A Brief History

The FIFA franchise was launched by EA Sports in 1993 and ran uninterrupted for 30 years, becoming one of the most profitable video game series in history. EA FC 24, the first game after the rebrand, topped UK sales charts in 2023, proving the franchise’s enduring popularity even after the split.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said:

“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.”

---

What to Expect

The new FIFA title aims to blend accessibility with a global reach, leveraging Netflix’s platform to introduce the franchise to a broader audience. Fans can expect updates, online gameplay, and features timed with the 2026 World Cup, positioning it as both a sports simulation and a cultural event in the gaming world.