December 17, 2025
A New FIFA Game Is Officially Coming in 2026 — and EA Is No Longer Involved
The FIFA video game franchise is officially entering a new era. For the first time in its history, a FIFA-branded game is coming without EA Sports — and Netflix is leading the charge.
After years of uncertainty following EA’s split from FIFA, concrete details have finally emerged. A brand-new FIFA game is in development, targeting a 2026 release and signaling a major shift in how football games may be distributed and played going forward.
⚽ The First FIFA Game After EA Sports
It has been over three years since the last FIFA-branded game launched, with FIFA 23 marking the end of EA Sports’ long-running partnership. When EA rebranded its series to EA Sports FC, FIFA confirmed plans to continue its own licensed games — but specifics remained unclear until now.
This upcoming title represents:
- The first FIFA game not published by EA Sports
- A new distribution model tied to a streaming subscription
- A fresh creative direction outside the traditional annual-release cycle
With FIFA 23 servers shutting down in late 2025, this announcement officially closes one chapter and opens another.
🎮 Netflix Enters the FIFA Gaming Space
Netflix has confirmed it will publish the new FIFA game through its growing Netflix Games initiative. As with other Netflix titles:
- The game will be free for Netflix subscribers
- It will launch on Android and iOS devices
- Limited smart TV support is planned
For TV play, smartphones are expected to act as the primary input device, while mobile versions may support controllers. This approach aligns with Netflix’s existing game ecosystem and reinforces its push into interactive entertainment beyond streaming.
The game is currently targeting a 2026 release window, potentially aligning with the FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
🧠 Meet the Developer: Delphi Interactive
The new FIFA game is being developed and published by Delphi Interactive, a California-based studio founded in 2020. While the studio has yet to release its own standalone title, it has already gained industry recognition as a co-developer on 007 First Light, an upcoming James Bond action-adventure game scheduled for 2026.
Delphi Interactive’s involvement suggests:
- A focus on accessibility and global reach
- A modern design philosophy tailored to mobile-first audiences
- An emphasis on making FIFA approachable for both casual and competitive players
According to the studio’s leadership, the goal is to deliver the most fun, inclusive, and globally accessible FIFA experience to date.
💰 Why EA Sports Walked Away
One of the biggest reasons EA Sports exited the FIFA partnership was cost. Reports indicated that EA was paying roughly $150 million per year for FIFA naming rights, with FIFA later seeking a much higher long-term licensing deal.
Netflix’s involvement suggests it is now covering the cost of the FIFA license, allowing Del