FIFA and Netflix Unveil Exclusive “FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition” Video Game
Football fans and gamers have a new reason to celebrate as FIFA officially announces FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition. Slated for release on June 11 to perfectly coincide with the start of the 2026 tournament, the game promises to bring the thrill of the World Cup directly to living rooms across the globe.
The ambitious title will feature a staggering 1,248 players representing 48 national teams. Fans will be able to take to the pitch in 16 authentically recreated stadiums located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. The extensive roster notably includes the Uzbekistan national squad, giving players the chance to control domestic stars such as Abdukodir Khusanov, Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
Netflix exclusive experience
In a major move for the streaming giant, the game will launch exclusively for Netflix subscribers. It will be fully integrated into the service’s basic subscription tier, meaning current members can access the football simulator at no additional cost.
Development of the project was handled by Delphi Interactive. The studio is perhaps best known for its recent collaboration with IO Interactive on the highly anticipated espionage title 007 First Light.
One of the most defining features of this new FIFA instalment is its highly unconventional control scheme. Rather than relying on traditional gamepads, players will be required to use their smartphones as controllers. Users will simply scan a QR code displayed on their television screens to seamlessly connect their mobile devices to the match.
For those without access to a smart TV, details from the game’s official trailer suggest it will also be fully playable on personal computers directly through a web browser.
Closed testing and future updates
Ahead of the highly anticipated global rollout, developers conducted a closed beta test on 4 June. This exclusive trial phase was made available strictly to selected users residing in Brazil and Germany, allowing the studio to iron out any final technical issues.
Netflix has explicitly stated that the Launch Edition is just the beginning for the new football simulator. The company plans to release ongoing updates and entirely new editions of the game as the real-world World Cup progresses and the player base continues to expand.
