FIFA confirmed on December 18 its return to official video games after a four-year break, partnering with Netflix for an exclusive 2026 mobile title developed by newcomer studio Delphi Interactive. Free for subscribers and launching ahead of the World Cup, it builds on Netflix's prior reveal and follows the 2022 EA split.
FIFA announced on December 18, 2025—following Netflix's reveal the previous day—a new official football video game for 2026, ending a hiatus since parting with Electronic Arts in 2022. EA had rebranded its series as EA Sports FC, which thrived with EA FC 24 topping UK sales in 2023 and the franchise surpassing 150 million players.
California-based Delphi Interactive, with no prior releases but aiding IO Interactive on James Bond game 007: First Light, will develop and publish the still-unnamed title exclusively for Netflix Games. It targets mobile play via the Netflix app on iOS, Android, or select TVs (using phones as controllers), supporting solo modes and online multiplayer for broad accessibility. Launch is planned ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, with Netflix eyeing future expansion.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called it 'a key milestone in FIFA's commitment to innovation,' a 'reimagined game' and 'great historic step.' Netflix Games President Alain Tascan tied it to the World Cup as 'the cultural event of 2026,' enabling easy living-room play. Delphi CEO Casper Daugaard promised 'the most fun, approachable, and global football game ever.'
This builds on prior FIFA mobile efforts like the earlier 2025 cartoon-style FIFA Rivals and recent mascot game FIFA Heroes. Fan reactions to the mobile-first shift are mixed, questioning its fit for the franchise's simulation legacy.
