Netflix has revealed plans to release an official FIFA football game ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking a significant new partnership between the streaming giant and world football’s governing body.
The announcement was made via Netflix Tudum, the company’s official newsroom, confirming that the game will launch in 2026 and be available through Netflix Games. Positioned as a football simulation experience, the title is being timed to align with the world’s biggest sporting spectacle. Netflix confirmed that the project is an officially licensed FIFA game, developed in collaboration with FIFA and created exclusively for its expanding games catalogue.
While full gameplay details remain under wraps, Netflix stated that the game will arrive in time for the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The title will carry official FIFA branding, signalling FIFA’s return to the football gaming space following the end of its long-standing partnership with EA Sports.
The game will be accessible to Netflix subscribers through Netflix Games, the platform’s in-app gaming service. Like other titles on the service, it will not require any additional purchase beyond an active Netflix subscription. Netflix described the project as an accessible football simulation designed for a broad audience, in line with its largely mobile-focused gaming strategy. In recent years, Netflix has steadily grown its games library, spanning genres such as sports, action, puzzles and narrative-driven experiences.
In its announcement, Netflix emphasized the global scale of the FIFA Men’s World Cup as a key factor behind the release. The 2026 edition will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, making it the largest tournament in the competition’s history and one expected to draw record-breaking audiences worldwide.
Although Netflix did not share a specific release date, gameplay footage or a detailed feature list, it confirmed that more information—including mechanics and launch timing—will be revealed closer to 2026.
FIFA also acknowledged the collaboration, describing it as part of its broader digital strategy ahead of the tournament. The football body has been exploring new ways to connect with younger and global audiences beyond traditional broadcast and gaming platforms.
The move further highlights Netflix’s growing ambitions in interactive entertainment. Over the past few years, the company has invested heavily in gaming as a way to deepen user engagement beyond films and series. Netflix Games currently offers dozens of titles with no adverts or in-app purchases.
By linking an official FIFA World Cup game to its subscription service, Netflix is aiming to draw football fans deeper into its ecosystem during one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will run between June and July 2026 across 16 host cities in North America, marking the first time the tournament is jointly hosted by three countries. It is widely expected to set new records for attendance and viewership.
For now, subscribers will have to wait, as Netflix says further updates on the game will be shared closer to its official launch.
