FIFA Video Game Set to Make a Comeback in 2026 with Netflix Partnership

After years away from the gaming landscape, the FIFA video game franchise is poised to return in 2026, following a contentious separation from its former developer, EA Sports.

This time, however, the rights to the new football game have been acquired by Netflix, marking a shift from traditional gaming studios.

Once a titan in the gaming industry, FIFA faced challenges, including expensive licensing fees, which led EA Sports to discontinue using the FIFA name in 2023. The developer then rebranded its flagship game as EA Sports FC.

Upcoming Game Details

Netflix has announced that the forthcoming FIFA title will be created and published by Delphi Interactive, a studio yet to debut a game. The launch is strategically timed to precede the 2026 World Cup.

Subscribers to Netflix will enjoy the game on mobile devices through the app on iOS and Android, as well as on select smart TVs, with their phones serving as controllers.

FIFA’s Legacy and EA’s Success

The original FIFA game was introduced by EA Sports in 1993, and the franchise thrived for three decades before EA decided to steer away from the established brand to forge its own identity.

During its run, the FIFA series boasted around 150 million players globally. Despite the rebranding, EA FC 24 emerged as the top-selling game in the UK for 2023, indicating the franchise’s enduring popularity.

FIFA’s Leadership Comments

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, expressed excitement about collaborating with Netflix Games ahead of the upcoming World Cup in 2026. He remarked, “Our reimagined game truly marks the beginning of a new era of digital football.”

Infantino highlighted that the game will be accessible at no cost to Netflix members, calling it a significant milestone for FIFA.

Delphi Interactive’s Vision

Delphi Interactive, based in California, is also collaborating with IO Interactive on a new James Bond game titled 007: First Light.

Casper Daugaard, the studio’s leader, stated that as lifelong fans of FIFA, they aim to create the most enjoyable and globally accessible football game to date.

Fan Reactions

The announcement has elicited a mixed response from fans, with some voicing skepticism about the mobile-centric approach Netflix is taking for the franchise’s revival.

One user on social media platform X commented, “FIFA should never have left EA.”

Despite the reservations, a sense of curiosity remains, with many eager to see what the new game will deliver.

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