FIFA has officially announced a new soccer game, confirming its collaboration with Netflix for the first time. The project is being developed in collaboration with California-based studio Delphi Interactive and is scheduled for release in time for next summer’s World Cup. This marks a new direction for the world soccer association (FIFA) in the digital marketing of its brand.
The focus is on a game concept that clearly differs from the usual console and PC titles. The new FIFA game will be streamed directly to televisions, with mobile phones acting as controllers. There will be both offline and online game modes.
New strategy after split from EA
The partnership between FIFA and Electronic Arts came to an end in 2023 after almost thirty years. FIFA 23 was the last game to have the official FIFA license. After that, the series continued under the name EA Sports FC. Early on, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that he was looking for a new partner for his own soccer game.
It seems he/she has found one in Netflix. The streaming provider is thus continuing to enter the gaming sector and is leveraging the international reach of the FIFA brand to reach as large an audience as possible.
Progress at Delphi Interactive
The new game is being developed by Delphi Interactive, a previously unknown studio based in California. Although the company has not yet released its own game, it was involved in the development of IO Interactive’s upcoming title 007 First Light.
Although the studio has not been in the industry for long, FIFA is banking on a long-term collaboration. This project will realign the brand in the gaming sector, with a focus on accessibility and reach.
Article on the 2026 World Cup
The game will be released next summer to coincide with the FIFA World Cup in North America. FIFA is deliberately capitalizing on one of the world’s biggest sporting events and wants to leverage the attention generated by the tournament in the digital realm as well.
The business model is a key element. As announced, the new FIFA game will be available free of charge to Netflix members.
No additional purchases will be necessary.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the collaboration an important milestone. The intention is to promote innovation in soccer gaming and reach fans around the world.
The aim is to start a new era of digital soccer with the new game and fundamentally change the understanding of classic simulations.
Even the CEO of Delphi Interactive, Casper Daugaard, commented that the new game would start a new era of digital soccer and fundamentally change the understanding of classic simulations.
The aim is to use the new game to usher in a new era of digital soccer and fundamentally change the understanding of classic simulations.
Even Delphi Interactive CEO Casper Daugaard commented on the announcement. As a long-time FIFA fan, he sees it as his mission to reshape the future of the brand and create a soccer game that is as global and accessible as possible.
Netflix Games President Alain Tascan emphasized the cultural significance of the 2026 World Cup. Fans should have the opportunity to live out their enthusiasm right in their living rooms, with a game that doesn’t require complex hardware.
FAQ
Delphi Interactive, based in California.
The streaming provider Netflix.
Next summer, just in time for the World Cup.
Via streaming on TVs, with smartphones acting as controllers.
Yes, for Netflix members.
Both modes are planned.
After separating from EA, FIFA wanted to develop its own gaming strategy independently.
The release is timed to coincide with the tournament in North America.
