As the countdown to the biggest FIFA World Cup in history continues, Netflix is making a surprising play for soccer fans.
The streaming giant has announced FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, a new football game that will be available exclusively through Netflix Games beginning June 11, which is the same day the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off. The move gives Netflix subscribers another way to engage with the tournament as soccer fever continues to build across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What Is FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition?
According to Netflix and FIFA, FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition is a streamlined soccer simulation designed to be easy to pick up and play. Rather than requiring a traditional gaming console, players can launch the game directly through Netflix Games and use their smartphones as controllers.
The game will feature:
- All 48 teams participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- All 16 official tournament stadiums
- More than 1,200 players
- Support for up to four players
- No additional cost beyond a Netflix subscription
Players will be able to compete through the tournament bracket and experience World Cup matches from their living room using supported TVs and devices.
A New Way to Connect Streaming and Sports
Netflix has steadily expanded beyond traditional TV shows and movies in recent years, investing in live sports programming, WWE content, NFL games, and its growing gaming platform. The FIFA partnership is another sign that streaming companies want fans engaged before, during, and after live events.
One of the game’s most interesting features is that it will receive daily updates tied to real-world tournament results, helping blur the line between watching and playing. Also, the launch comes after FIFA’s split from EA Sports, ending one of the most recognizable licensing partnerships in gaming history. While EA continues with its EA Sports FC franchise, FIFA is exploring new digital experiences built around its own brand.
The Biggest World Cup Ever Is Almost Here
Netflix isn’t launching this game in a vacuum, as interest in soccer and streaming is already surging for this year’s World Cup. For the first time, the competition will feature 48 national teams instead of 32 and will be jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded format will include 104 matches played across 16 host cities from June 11 through July 19.
In the United States, the English-language broadcast will stream on FOX One, while Peacock Premium has Spanish-language rights.
As the hype grows for the opening pitch, recent data shows growing engagement across multiple platforms for the month-long tournament. New consumer research has found that many Americans are changing how they watch sports, with streaming services becoming a larger part of their viewing habits. Major League Soccer has seen a significant boost in viewership heading into the World Cup year, helping drive increased attention to soccer streaming in North America.
For Netflix, the game creates a unique opportunity. Even though the company doesn’t hold English-language U.S. broadcast rights to matches, it can still capitalize on the excitement surrounding the event through gaming and interactive experiences.
With more teams, more matches, and millions of expected viewers across traditional television and streaming platforms, FIFA expects the tournament to become the largest World Cup ever staged.
Feature Image: Netflix
