FIFA will finally release its long-awaited return to video games in 2026, several years after its acrimonious split with developer EA.
But it was Netflix, not a major game studio, that won the rights to the upcoming football match.
It was once one of the most profitable brands in gaming history, but problems including an expensive license prompted previous FIFA publisher Electronic Arts stop using this name in 2023 — instead naming its best-selling game EA Sports FC.
Netflix said the new FIFA will be developed and published by Delphi Interactive, which has yet to produce a video game, and will be released ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It says subscribers will be able to play online through the Netflix app on iOS and Android devices or on select TVs using their phone as a controller.
EA Sports released the first FIFA game in 1993 and ran the franchise for 30 years before ditching the branding and creating its own.
It is estimated that approximately 150 million players have participated in the series.
But the renamed game still connects with fans – with EA FC 24 will be the UK's best-selling game in 2023..
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said football's governing body is “very pleased” to team up with Netflix Games ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
“Our updated game truly marks the beginning of a new era of digital football,” he said.
“It will be available free to Netflix members and will be a big historic step for FIFA.”
California-based studio Delphi Interactive, which created the game, is also working in partnership with IO Interactive on a new James Bond game, 007: First Light.
The firm's chief executive, Kasper Daugaard, said that as “lifelong FIFA fans”, the company wanted to make the game “the most fun, accessible and global football game ever made.”
Reaction to the announcement has been mixed so far, with some fans wondering whether Netflix's focus on mobile is a step forward for the franchise.
“FIFA should never have left EA” said one person on social network X.
“Let's see what's in the new game.”
