FIFA is making a highly anticipated return to the video game market in 2026, partnering with Netflix to launch a new football simulation game.This collaboration marks a significant shift from FIFA's previous long-standing relationship with Electronic Arts (EA), which ended in 2022 after a 30-year partnership over licensing disputes.
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bbc.comgamesindustry.bizThe new game will be developed and published by Delphi Interactive, a company that has yet to release a video game but is reportedly focused on licensing.
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bbc.comgamesindustry.bizFIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This major collaboration is a key milestone in FIFA's commitment to innovation in the football gaming space." He emphasized that the new game aims to reach billions of football fans worldwide and redefine the notion of simulation games.
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netflix.comgamesindustry.bizSet to launch ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the game will be available for free to Netflix subscribers.
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bbc.comnetflix.comPlayers will be able to access the game via the Netflix app on iOS and Android devices, as well as select TVs using their phones as controllers.
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netflix.combbc.co.ukInfantino described the upcoming title as "the beginning of a new era of digital football," highlighting its accessibility and the joy of playing football.
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bbc.comnetflix.comAlain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix, noted that the FIFA World Cup will be a cultural highlight in 2026, allowing fans to celebrate their passion for football from their living rooms.He mentioned that the game will be designed to be easy to learn and thrilling to master, catering to both casual players and dedicated fans alike.
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netflix.comgamesindustry.bizDelphi Interactive's CEO, Casper Daugaard, also expressed excitement about the project, stating that as lifelong FIFA fans, the team aims to create "the most fun, approachable, and global football game ever created." The company is also known for its collaboration with IO Interactive on the upcoming James Bond title, 007: First Light.
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bbc.comnetflix.comDespite the excitement surrounding the announcement, reactions from the gaming community have been mixed.Some fans have expressed skepticism regarding the mobile-first focus of the game, with concerns that it may not capture the essence of traditional FIFA titles.
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bbc.combbc.co.ukOne user on social media remarked, "FIFA should never have left EA," highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the new direction.
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bbc.co.ukThe return of FIFA to video games comes after its split from EA, which rebranded its football franchise as EA Sports FC.This decision followed a failure to agree on new financial terms, with FIFA reportedly seeking to double its licensing fee to over $1 billion.
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sportspro.comgamesindustry.bizThe previous FIFA series had an estimated 150 million players, making it one of the most successful gaming franchises in history.
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bbc.co.ukAs the gaming landscape evolves, FIFA's partnership with Netflix represents a bold step into a new era of digital football.With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, fans are eager to see how this new game will shape the future of football gaming and whether it can live up to the legacy of its predecessors.
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netflix.comgamesindustry.bizMore details about the game are expected to be revealed as the launch date approaches, but for now, the excitement surrounding FIFA's return to video games continues to build.
