FIFA Video Game Sets Netflix Launch for World Cup

June 4, 2026 - 17:47

Netflix is making its most aggressive move yet into the video game space with the launch of a special "FIFA World Cup" edition on June 11. The streaming giant, which has slowly been adding mobile games to its service over the past few years, will now offer a full-featured soccer title just in time for the international tournament.

The game, developed in partnership with EA Sports, will let subscribers play through the official World Cup bracket using real national teams and players. Unlike previous Netflix game releases, which were often smaller indie-style titles, this marks the first time the company has secured a major sports franchise. Sources familiar with the deal say the game will include all the licensed kits, stadiums, and commentary that fans expect from the FIFA series, but optimized for touchscreen controls.

Netflix has been testing the waters with interactive content since 2021, but subscriber growth has slowed and the company is under pressure to prove its gaming division can drive retention. The FIFA launch is seen as a high-stakes experiment. If it works, it could open the door for other big-budget sports titles on the platform. If it fails, it may signal that Netflix's gaming ambitions are hitting a ceiling.

The game will be available to all Netflix subscribers at no extra cost, though it will only be playable on mobile devices at launch. A console version has not been announced.