Footix walking around with a ball. The title Tubthumping of Chumbawamba which resonates. The introduction of the 1998 World Cup game marked an entire generation. Since then, the tradition has continued. Every four years, controller in hand, we could slip into the shoes of Zidane, then Ronaldo, Messi or even Mbappé…
An appointment established for decades with, for the latest editions, simple free updates of FIFA games integrating the competition. But for the 2026 edition, football fans find themselves with their mouths in water a few days before the start of the tournament.
No official game like before
The cause? The break, in 2023, between Electronic Arts (publisher of the FIFA license) and FIFA. The famous series, which now bears the name of EA Sports FC 26can no longer officially use the name “World Cup”nor its trophy or its visual presentation. For certain national selections, it is also impossible to use official outfits.
Result: barring last minute surprises, no big game FIFA World Cup 2026 will not see the light of day. Even if no official announcement has yet been made, the American studio should nevertheless offer an update to its players, with the possibility of participating in an international competition inspired by the World Cup, accompanied by special events in Ultimate Team… but without all the official decorum.
As for other licenses, like eFootball from your Konami UFLsome elements linked to competition could appear in certain game modes, without offering a complete experience.
An atypical FIFA game
For its part, FIFA launched a project with Netflix. The platform, which is now developing in video games with an increasingly extensive catalog, must distribute FIFA Heroes. Initially expected in April, the game was finally postponed.
Developed by Enver Studio for mobile, this title will focus on an arcade approach with 5 versus 5 matches. All in a very colorful universe, closer to a cartoon than a realistic simulation. We will find iconic players like Maradona, but also mythological figures such as Thor… a mixture that is surprising to say the least.
The World Cup on the management side
For strategy and simulation enthusiasts, Football Manager will join the World Cup on May 26. Here, there is no question of dribbling with the controller in hand: you play the role of the coach and manage your team from A to Z. Selection of 26 players, preparation matches, tactics, group management… everything comes together to slip into the shoes of Didier Deschamps. The game is available on PC, consoles and mobile.
Finally, still in the management register, Copa City is due out on June 15 on consoles. This time, the objective is to organize the meetings in the best possible conditions while respecting a precise budget. Development of temporary infrastructure, security, fan satisfaction, sponsorship… the backstage of football becomes the real playing field here.
This 2026 World Cup thus seems to mark the end of an era: the one where a single game reigned over virtual football. Video game football has never been so vibrant… or perhaps so rich.
