Netflix Readies for FIFA World Cup With 'Launch Edition' Video Game

June 5, 2026 - 01:04

Netflix is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a new interactive experience called "Launch Edition," a video game that turns the living room into a digital stadium. The streaming giant, in collaboration with Delphi and FIFA, has teased the project with a simple pitch: "Your phone is the controller and your TV is the stadium."

The game is set to launch on June 11, just ahead of the World Cup kickoff. It marks a significant step for Netflix into live-event gaming, blending real-time sports action with mobile-based controls. While specific gameplay details remain under wraps, the concept suggests viewers will use their smartphones to influence matches or participate in simulated plays directly on their television screens.

This move comes as Netflix expands its gaming ambitions beyond traditional mobile titles and into interactive, event-driven content. By tying the game to the World Cup, the company aims to capture the global excitement around the tournament. The "Launch Edition" appears to be a test run for larger, more immersive sports experiences in the future.

For now, Netflix is betting that the combination of a major sporting event and a simple, phone-based control scheme will draw in casual fans and gamers alike. The June 11 release date puts the game squarely in the pre-tournament hype window, giving subscribers a new way to engage with the World Cup before the first whistle blows.