Netflix, Roblox and Football Manager: World Cup 2026 reveals the benefits and limitations of Fifa’s post-EA video game strategy

July 3, 2026 - 19:04

Four years after the high-profile split with EA Sports, Fifa is finally rolling out its own video game plans for the 2026 World Cup. The strategy is a patchwork of partnerships that shows both the potential and the limits of trying to compete without the world's most popular soccer simulation.

Instead of a single blockbuster title, Fifa has licensed its brand to a handful of non-traditional platforms. A free-to-play game is coming to Roblox, aiming to capture younger audiences who live inside that metaverse-like ecosystem. Netflix is getting an interactive experience tied to the tournament, blending streaming with casual play. Meanwhile, Football Manager will include official World Cup modes, appealing to the strategy crowd that cares about tactics over twitch reflexes.

The approach is creative but fragmented. Fifa is spreading its bets across mobile, streaming, and simulation niches, hoping to reach fans where they already hang out. It is a stark contrast to EA Sports FC, which will release a full-priced, console-focused World Cup update as part of its annual cycle. EA still owns the core gameplay loop that millions of players buy into every year.

The limitations are clear. No single Fifa-branded game will dominate the conversation or the sales charts. The Roblox and Netflix experiences are likely to be lightweight, designed for engagement rather than depth. Football Manager, while beloved, is a niche product. Fifa may be building a wider net, but it lacks the flagship title that drives cultural buzz and recurring revenue.

For now, the 2026 World Cup will be a test of whether a decentralized strategy can match the power of a single, polished product. The early signs suggest Fifa has a long way to go before it challenges EA's soccer supremacy.