FIFA announced on Thursday that it will release a new football video game, FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, on Netflix Games on June 11, coinciding with the start of the 2026 World Cup. The game will be available exclusively to Netflix subscribers at no additional cost, as part of the soccer governing body's revamped digital strategy to broaden fan engagement.
Game Features and Accessibility
Developed in partnership with Netflix Games and Delphi Interactive, the game is designed as an accessible football simulation, allowing players to experience the tournament firsthand. Players can choose from all 48 teams competing in the World Cup and play matches across the tournament's 16 stadiums, with over 1,200 players included. The game uses smartphones as controllers, enabling users to connect to a television by scanning a QR code, according to FIFA. Up to four users can play together in the same session.
Strategic Shift in Gaming
FIFA stated that the launch marks a broader shift in its approach to gaming following the end of its long-running partnership with EA Sports. The governing body is moving toward a multi-partner ecosystem aimed at expanding its reach across various platforms and audiences. The game is described as the starting point of a longer-term project, with additional features and broader platform support planned beyond the initial release.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11.
