Netflix Launches FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition Game on June 11

FIFA and Netflix Games have announced the launch of FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, a new football simulation game that will be released exclusively on Netflix Games on 11 June 2026, the same day the FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off. The new title is part of FIFA’s updated digital football strategy, which aims to bring fans closer to the sport through innovative digital experiences. Designed to be accessible and easy to play, the game captures the excitement, emotion, and universal appeal of the FIFA World Cup while allowing players of all skill levels to create their own tournament stories. Included with a Netflix membership at no additional cost, the game provides a simple and accessible way for football fans around the world to engage with the competition.

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A New Direction for FIFA Football Games

FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition represents a new direction for FIFA football games by focusing on immediate fun, accessibility, and social play. Unlike traditional football simulation titles that can require complex controls and significant gaming experience, this game has been designed so that anyone can jump in and start playing within seconds. The experience celebrates the joy and emotion of football while making it easy for both football fans and casual players to enjoy the action. FIFA describes the game as an important step in its efforts to redefine digital football experiences and reach billions of football fans of all ages around the world.

Play Using Your Phone as a Controller

One of the game's most unique features is its simple control system. In FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, players use their smartphones as controllers while their televisions become the stadium. To start playing, users simply launch the game from the Games section on a compatible smart TV, scan a QR code using their phone, and begin playing immediately. Players can swipe on their phone screens to pass, shoot, and perform other football actions. This streamlined approach removes the need for traditional gaming hardware and allows even people who have never played a video game before to experience the excitement of scoring goals and competing in FIFA World Cup matches.

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All 48 FIFA World Cup 2026 Teams Included

The game launches alongside the FIFA World Cup 2026 and includes all 48 national teams participating in the tournament. Players can select any of the competing nations and take them onto the virtual pitch to recreate real-world tournament moments or create entirely new stories. The inclusion of all 48 teams reflects the expanded format of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be the largest edition of the tournament in history.

More Than 1,200 Players Available

FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition features a roster of 1,248 players who could potentially participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. This extensive player database allows fans to take control of some of the world’s best footballers and represent any participating nation. Whether recreating memorable moments from the tournament or creating new championship runs, players will have access to a wide variety of athletes from around the world.

Compete in All 16 Official Tournament Stadiums

The game includes all 16 official stadiums that will host matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026. These venues are spread across the tournament’s three host countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. By featuring every tournament stadium, the game allows players to experience the atmosphere of the real-world competition and compete in virtual versions of the iconic venues that will host football’s biggest event.

Multiplayer Fun for Everyone

FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition has been designed as a social gaming experience that emphasizes shared fun and accessibility. The game supports up to four players, allowing friends and family members to play together regardless of their gaming experience. Whether players are passionate football fans or complete newcomers to video games, they can easily join matches, compete with one another, and enjoy the excitement of the FIFA World Cup from the comfort of their living rooms.

Developed by Delphi Interactive

The game has been developed and published by Delphi Interactive in partnership with FIFA and Netflix Games. The studio worked closely with both organizations to create a football experience that focuses on accessibility, excitement, and ease of play while still capturing the drama and emotion associated with the FIFA World Cup.

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Statements from FIFA and Netflix

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the project as a significant milestone in FIFA’s commitment to innovation in football gaming. He said FIFA is excited to collaborate with Netflix Games and Delphi Interactive ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and noted that the partnership represents an important step toward reaching football fans around the world through new digital experiences. Infantino added that the reimagined game marks the beginning of a new era for digital football and simulation gaming and called its availability to Netflix members a historic development for FIFA.

Alain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix, also highlighted the importance of the partnership. He said that the FIFA World Cup will be one of the biggest cultural events of 2026 and that Netflix wants fans to celebrate their passion for football by bringing the game directly into their living rooms. According to Tascan, the goal is to bring football back to its roots with an experience that anyone can enjoy using simple controls and instant access.

What Does “Launch Edition” Mean?

The Launch Edition represents the beginning of a longer journey for the FIFA World Cup gaming experience. FIFA and Netflix describe it as the “kickoff” version of the game, focusing on streamlined gameplay, immediate fun, and accessibility. While the initial release is designed to deliver a fast and enjoyable experience during the FIFA World Cup 2026, future updates are expected to add additional features, greater gameplay depth, more complexity, technical improvements, and new content as the community of players grows.

Availability and Rollout

A limited test version of FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition began on 4 June 2026 in Brazil and Germany. The full release is scheduled for 11 June 2026 and will be available to Netflix members in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and Brazil. Netflix has confirmed that support for additional countries will be added over time as the company continues expanding games on television. Currently, games on TV are available in approximately 20 countries, allowing users to access titles directly through compatible televisions using their phones as controllers.

Part of FIFA’s Digital Football Strategy

The launch of FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition is another example of FIFA’s evolving digital football strategy. Through this initiative, FIFA aims to make it easier than ever for audiences around the world to engage with football and the FIFA World Cup in different formats. By combining the global reach of the FIFA World Cup with the accessibility of Netflix Games, FIFA hopes to create new opportunities for supporters to connect with the sport, celebrate the tournament, and feel like part of the action even when they are away from the stadium.

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Football Content on Netflix

The release of FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition further strengthens Netflix’s growing collection of football-related content. In recent years, the streaming platform has released documentaries and series focused on some of football’s biggest personalities and stories, including Emi Martínez: The Kid Who Stops Time, James., Ronaldinho: The One and Only, Untold, Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team, Beckham, Captains of the World, The Playbook, and Vini Jr. These productions explore the careers of legendary players, historic teams, and memorable moments in football history.

Netflix has also secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United States and Canada for both the 2027 and 2031 tournaments, further strengthening its relationship with FIFA and expanding its football content offerings.