An official World Cup game has been confirmed and releases in time for the tournament, but not on consoles or PC. Following the end of its partnership with EA Sports in 2023, FIFA promised a new official game would follow. It finally arrives this week ahead of the 2026 World Cup, exclusively on Netflix.
FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition on Netflix
There hasn't been an official World Cup game since 2014, when the tournament headed to Brazil. Since then, updates for EA Sports FIFA 23 and FIFA 18 covered the 2022 and 2018 competitions. Now, the barren streak ends with FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, a streamlined football sim available on Netflix's Games on TV feature.
Up to four players can enjoy the game, using mobile devices as controllers with the TV as the 'stadium'. After launching the game on a TV via Netflix, players scan a QR code with their phone to control players from all 48 nations participating in this year's tournament.
Release Details and Features
The game launches on Thursday, June 11, the same day as the real-life opening fixture. Netflix and FIFA have promised all 16 real-world stadiums will be featured. The game is part of Netflix's Games on TV feature and is set to 'evolve over time'. A limited test began in Brazil on June 4, and it will be available initially in 19 countries, including the UK and Ireland.
However, the game has met with a disappointing response from some. Streamer Joe Ham commented: "What in the PlayStation 2 is this?" during a TikTok video, noting the visuals are "no better" than EA Sports' FIFA 16 from a decade ago. Reddit users have also been unimpressed, with one calling it "hilariously bad" and questioning "What were they thinking?"
Despite the criticism, judging the game before its official release may be premature. Updates are expected to introduce "additional depth and new features" in the near future.
