Netflix is stepping into the football (soccer) video game market with an exclusive partnership with FIFA, aiming to release a new title coinciding with the 2026 FIFA World Cup [[1]]. the game, developed by Delphi Interactive, will be available to all Netflix subscribers on mobile devices, marking a notable expansion of Netflix’s gaming offerings [[2]]. This collaboration represents a new chapter for the FIFA franchise and signals Netflix’s continued commitment to diversifying its entertainment portfolio [[3]].
Netflix is making a surprising return to the video game market, announcing a partnership with FIFA to develop a new football (soccer) IP timed to coincide with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move comes despite recent layoffs, game cancellations, and restructuring within Warner Bros. Games following its acquisition by Warner Bros. Discovery.
The game, currently without an official title, is being developed by Delphi Interactive, a relatively new studio founded in 2024. Delphi positions itself as a developer of AAA games based on leading franchises, and utilizes a unique model designed to mitigate risk and lower development costs through close collaboration with intellectual property owners, creatives, and developers.
Industry observers believe the new FIFA game is leveraging generative AI technology, specifically Delphi’s AI platform, to streamline development. This approach reflects a growing trend in the gaming industry to utilize AI for content creation and game design. According to the official press release, the game will initially be available exclusively on mobile devices and require only a phone and a Netflix subscription to play.
“FIFA World Cup will be the cultural event of 2026, and now fans can celebrate their passion by bringing football right into their living rooms,” said Alain Tascan, President of Netflix Games. “We want to bring football back to its roots with something everyone can play at the touch of a button.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino added: “FIFA is very excited to partner with Netflix Games and Delphi Interactive ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This important collaboration is a key milestone in FIFA’s journey of innovation in the gaming world, aiming to reach billions of football fans of all ages worldwide and will redefine the very concept of simulation games. Our newly developed game marks the beginning of a new era in digital football. It will be freely available to Netflix members, representing a huge historical step for FIFA.”
“Football is the most important thing in the world,” stated Casper Daugaard, Founder and CEO of Delphi Interactive. “As lifelong FIFA fans, we are honored to be part of ushering in the next generation and reinventing the future of the franchise. Our mission is simple: to make FIFA the most fun, accessible, and global football game ever created.” Andy Kleinman, President of Delphi Interactive, further commented: “Together with FIFA and Netflix Games, Delphi is creating a game that lives up to the beautiful game – a game that anyone, anywhere, can enjoy and instantly feel the magic of football.”
Further details are expected in 2026, but the partnership signals Netflix’s continued investment in gaming and a new direction for the FIFA franchise.
