FIFA returns to the virtual pitch: The unexpected alliance with Netflix

After three years of silence and speculation, the "divorce" that shook the gaming industry appears to be leading toward a new, unforeseen era. FIFA, the world governing body of football, has officially announced its return to the digital arena. However, this comeback isn't taking the shape most gamers anticipated. Forget the consoles and traditional publishers; FIFA's new teammate is Netflix.

This news arrives to fill the void left by the historic split with Electronic Arts (EA) in 2022, which ended a 30-year partnership and resulted in the rebranding of the legendary franchise to EA Sports FC. Now, with sights set firmly on the 2026 World Cup, FIFA is attempting its own comeback, opting for a strategy that prioritizes mass appeal over the high-fidelity simulation offered by its competitors.

The "FIFA x Netflix" Project: What We Know

According to the official announcement, the new title is slated for release in the summer of 2026, coinciding perfectly with the peak of football fever during the World Cup to be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Crucially, the game will not be developed by an industry giant (rumors had long persisted regarding 2K Games), but by Delphi Interactive. This move signals the federation's intent to pivot away from the model of "hardcore" simulators and toward something more approachable and casual.

The defining characteristic of this new title is accessibility. It will be available exclusively to Netflix subscribers at no extra cost and with zero in-game advertisements. The gameplay mechanic is particularly interesting: players will be able to play on their televisions via the Netflix app, using their mobile phones as the controller.

"Football for Everyone" or a Strategic Misstep?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed enthusiasm, stating that this partnership "will redefine the concept of simulation games," emphasizing the goal of reaching billions of fans. On the flip side, Alain Tascan, President of Netflix Games, spoke of returning football to its roots with a title that is "easy to learn, but exciting to master."

However, the announcement raises valid questions within the gaming community. Following the split with EA, FIFA’s promise was to create "the best football game in the world." Choosing a mobile-first title via a streaming service, rather than a AAA title for PlayStation 5, Xbox, or PC, may disappoint the segment of the audience that was expecting a direct competitor to EA Sports FC 25 or Konami's eFootball.

The Battle for the Market

The reality is that EA Sports has cemented its dominance. EA Sports FC continues to shatter sales records, retaining the rights to the vast majority of clubs and leagues, as well as the immensely popular "Ultimate Team" mode.

FIFA’s strategy with Netflix suggests they are not attempting to fight EA on their own turf—that of hyper-realistic graphics and deep simulation. Instead, they are looking to leverage Netflix's gigantic subscriber base. It is a "flanking" maneuver: rather than convincing a gamer to spend $70 on a new game, they are offering a football experience right where users already are to watch movies and series.

Eyes on 2026

The stakes are high. The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest cultural and sporting event of the year. If Delphi Interactive can deliver addictive, fun gameplay that connects the televised experience of the World Cup with living room gaming, FIFA could successfully capture the casual audience.

If, however, the result resembles a basic mobile game simply cast to a TV screen, the return of the "FIFA" brand to video games might lack the prestige envisioned in Zurich. One thing is certain: in the summer of 2026, screens will be lighting up—whether for the goals in American stadiums or the virtual matches on Netflix.