FIFA unveils Netflix World Cup game timed for 2026 tournament kickoff

FIFA will release a new football video game, FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, on Netflix Games on ​June 11, timed to coincide with the start of ‌the 2026 World Cup, the soccer governing body said on Thursday.

The title will be available exclusively to Netflix subscribers at no ​additional cost, as world soccer's governing body looks ​to broaden fan engagement through its revamped digital strategy.

Developed ⁠in partnership with Netflix Games and Delphi Interactive, the ​game is designed as an accessible football simulation, allowing ​players to take part in the tournament experience.

Players will be able to choose from all 48 teams competing in the World Cup and ​play matches across the tournament's 16 stadiums, with more ​than 1,200 players included in the game.

The format uses smartphones as ‌controllers, ⁠enabling users to connect to a television by scanning a QR code, according to FIFA.

Up to four users can play together.

FIFA said the launch forms part of a broader ​shift in its ​approach to ⁠gaming following the end of its long-running partnership with EA Sports, moving instead to ​a multi-partner ecosystem aimed at expanding its reach ​across ⁠platforms and audiences.

The governing body described the game as the starting point of a longer-term project, with additional features and ⁠broader ​platform support planned beyond the initial ​release.

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico kicks ​off on June 11.

- Reuters