Netflix Launches FIFA World Cup Game on June 11

Netflix is launching FIFA World Cup, an officially licensed soccer game, on June 11 as a Netflix exclusive. The title aims to attract casual fans by removing the nuanced controls, dense menus and monetization layers that can complicate other soccer games.

Delphi Interactive developed the game after securing FIFA rights. The project is developed by Delphi Interactive, the team that built the original pitch and secured rights for 007 First Light before bringing in IO Interactive. Delphi repeated the approach for FIFA after the organization ended its 30-year partnership with EA in 2022. Its winning pitch centered on a more approachable but still authentic soccer game that could reach the sport's large fanbase, with Netflix solving the distribution challenge.

All that is required to play is a Netflix account and a few button taps. The game streams through the cloud via the Netflix app.

Launch Edition offers three modes with no microtransactions. FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition includes Kick-off for quick matches, Tournament for guiding a team through the World Cup, and Penalty Shootout as a casual minigame. It features all 48 FIFA teams with up-to-date rosters. Players can upgrade athletes using coins earned from matches and daily challenges. The experience contains no microtransactions.

Smartphone touch controls prioritize accessibility. Matches follow FIFA rules aside from shorter length. Players use a smartphone split into a left-side joystick for movement and a right-side touch pad for all other actions. Holding the trackpad makes a player sprint, tapping passes the ball, and swiping shapes shots on goal. Defense uses the same gestures or can be left to the computer by holding the touchpad. The fundamentals proved intuitive in early play, allowing quick ball weaving and corner shots.

Netflix plans ongoing live-service updates. The company will run the title as a live-service game with on-the-fly roster updates and additional content over time. The day-one version is labeled Launch Edition to signal that more is planned. Delphi intends to add small tweaks or entire new modes based on player feedback. The approach seeks to deliver Wii Sports-style accessibility tailored to soccer.