Netflix has announced an officially licensed FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 game, and it’ll be playable for all subscribers from their TV, computer, or phone, featuring in-game updates based on how the real-world tournament unfolds.
FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, as it’s called, releases on June 11. Described as a “streamlined” soccer/football game, the game uses your phone as the controller, with players swiping their finger to pass and shoot the ball.
The game features all 48 teams in the World Cup this year, along with 16 real-life stadiums and 1,248 real players.
A Netflix spokesperson told Variety that the game will be updated daily with new challenges and features based on how the tournament plays out IRL.
The game is free and has no microtransactions, just like all of Netflix’s other games. Netflix will promote the game with a takeover ad for all Netflix members. The company also said the game will be updated in 2027 for the Women’s World Cup.
A limited test version of FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition is launching today in Brazil, but everyone will get to jump in on June 11, which is when the first World Cup game takes place.
EA Sports traditionally capitalized on the World Cup with special versions of the game, in-game events, and more. However, EA and FIFA broke up, and now the newest game in the series, EA Sports FC 26, has pivoted to a “The World’s Game” promotion that doesn’t feature FIFA or the official World Cup license.
Some of the other games available on Netflix currently include Red Dead Redemption, Into the Breach, Farming Simulator 2023, Sonic Mania Plus, Oxenfree, and RollerCoaster Tycoon Touch, just to name a few.
Despite some initial stumbles, Netflix remains interested and invested in the gaming space for the long term, seeing it as a major growth-driver.
