FIFA World Cup Launch Edition Releases June 11 on Netflix, FIFA’s First Game After EA Split
- Yash Choudhary
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
FIFA is making its official return to the video game market with a new football title, but this time without Electronic Arts. The global football governing body has announced FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, an officially licensed game that will debut exclusively on Netflix on June 11, 2026, just as the FIFA World Cup begins.
The release marks FIFA's first major home football game since its nearly three-decade partnership with EA Sports ended following the release of FIFA 23. Since then, EA has continued its football franchise under the name EA Sports FC, while FIFA has been looking for a new direction in gaming.
FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition Brings Football to Netflix
Rather than releasing a traditional console game, FIFA has collaborated with Netflix Games to deliver the World Cup experience directly to subscribers' TVs, computers, and mobile devices.
Netflix members will be able to play the game for free, making it one of the streaming platform's biggest gaming releases yet. The game is easy to pick up and play, allowing fans of all skill levels to participate in the tournament.
Players will use their smartphones as controllers, swiping to pass, shoot, and perform skill moves as they compete in World Cup-inspired matches.
Play as All 48 World Cup Nations
FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition features all 48 national teams that will compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026. According to Netflix, players can compete in 16 authentic tournament stadiums while controlling over 1,200 real-world footballers.
The game can support up to four players, making it a multiplayer experience ideal for tournament gatherings with friends and family.
According to Netflix, the title aims to capture the excitement, national pride, and drama of the World Cup while remaining accessible to casual players who do not typically play sports games.
Real Tournament Results Will Impact the Game
One of the most known aspects of FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition is its connection to the real FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament. Netflix has confirmed that the game will be updated throughout the competition, adding new content and challenges based on real-world matches and events.
The launch version is referred to as the beginning of the experience rather than the finished product. As the tournament progresses, players can expect new updates, features, and content to keep the game evolving alongside the World Cup.
A Fresh Start for FIFA Gaming
Delphi Interactive is developing FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition in collaboration with Netflix Games. The project was announced after FIFA ended its long-running partnership with EA Sports, as the organization took to develop a new generation of FIFA-branded football games.
The developers are creating the game from the ground up, with help from Refactor Games. Unlike previous FIFA titles, which highlighted deep simulation, this new game aims to provide quick and easy-to-play football action on televisions, computers, and smartphones.
FIFA and EA Sports worked for nearly 30 years before ending their partnership in 2023, prompting EA to rebrand its football series as EA Sports FC. While EA continues to focus on traditional football simulation games, FIFA has taken a fresh approach with FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, highlighting streaming, accessibility, and multiplayer fun. The game, which will be released on Netflix on June 11, is an important step forward in FIFA's new gaming strategy.
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