Marketing Global

Netflix brings FIFA World Cup game to TVs with mobile-powered play

by Sharona Nicole Semilla

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July 23, 2026

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United States – Netflix is expanding its gaming ambitions with the launch of FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, a new football game that allows members to turn their televisions into virtual stadiums using their smartphones as controllers.

Developed and published by Delphi Interactive in partnership with FIFA, the title debuted alongside the FIFA World Cup 2026 and is available exclusively to Netflix members at no additional cost.

Designed as an accessible, arcade-style football experience, the game supports solo and multiplayer gameplay, requiring only a compatible TV, a smartphone, and a Netflix subscription.

Unlike traditional console football simulators, FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition focuses on quick, easy-to-learn gameplay, reflecting Netflix’s strategy of lowering the barrier to entry for casual gamers while strengthening engagement beyond streaming content.

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The game features all 48 national teams, 1,248 players, and 16 official FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

It is currently available in selected markets, including the US, Canada, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Brazil, Germany, and several other countries, with additional territories planned in future rollouts.

The launch forms part of FIFA’s broader digital football strategy, which aims to make football gaming more accessible through new platforms and partnerships.

Gianni Infantino, President at FIFA, said the collaboration represents a major milestone in the organisation’s ambitions for digital football.

“This major collaboration is a key milestone in FIFA’s commitment to innovation in the football gaming space, which aspires to reach billions of football fans of all ages everywhere in the world,” Infantino said.

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Meanwhile, Alain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix, said the company wanted to make football gaming as accessible as possible.

“The FIFA World Cup is going to be the cultural event of 2026, and now fans will be able to celebrate their fandom by bringing the game right into their living rooms. We want to bring football back to its roots with something everyone can play with just the touch of a button,” Tascan said.

To support the launch, Netflix has also released a promotional campaign featuring Brazilian football legend Ronaldo facing off against characters from Netflix franchises including Squid Game and Wednesday.

The game has also been showcased through a creator tournament streamed from Fanatics Fest in New York, featuring stars from Netflix series including Avatar: The Last Airbender and One Piece.

The release also strengthens Netflix’s broader gaming strategy, with FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition joining titles such as Jackbox and Overcooked! on connected TVs, allowing members to play directly alongside their favourite films and series.