No FIFA, no EA? Will there still be an official game for the 2026 World Cup?

(Image source: IMAGO / Newscom World / Editing GIGA)Past soccer tournaments have always featured their own video games. Over the last few decades, EA Sports in particular has repeatedly ensured that tournament feeling at home with the official World Cup licenses. What will the 2026 World Cup look like?While it used to be almost a given that a major tournament would also have a suitable game, today the situation is much more complex.No longer a classic World Cup game from EAFor many years, tournaments such as the World Cup have been firmly linked to the FIFA series. Whether as a standalone game, as an extensive DLC update or with special Ultimate Team cards: fans were able to authentically recreate major competitions. With the end of the partnership However, between EA and FIFA, this model is history.This means specifically: An official World Cup game from EA in the style of previous titles is not expected. Instead, EA is focusing entirely on its new EA Sports FC series, which does not have a FIFA license. Without these rights, important elements such as official logos, stadiums or the exact tournament structure of the World Cup are missing.Is there a World Cup mode coming to EA Sports FC 26?Despite the lack of a license, many players still hope that EA Sports FC 26 could at least indirectly benefit from the 2026 World Cup. This isn't entirely out of the question: EA could theoretically integrate content that is heavily oriented towards international tournaments - for example through special events, tournament modes or a larger selection of national teams.However, nothing in this direction has been announced yet. In addition, such a mode would be unofficially. This means that it would be a playful reminder of the World Cup, but would not be allowed to use the name, branding or official presentation of the tournament. In practice, this would seem more like a generic world tournament than a real world championship.FIFA is pursuing its own plansAt the same time, FIFA itself is working on a new video game project. Unlike before, it doesn't rely on a classic AAA title for console or PC. Instead, many indications suggest that a FIFA World Cup 2026 game is more likely to go in a different direction, namely as a mobile game. In December 2025 An official FIFA game for the World Cup was announced, which will be created in cooperation with Netflix Games.The development is being carried out by the Delphi Interactive studio, and the release is planned for summer 2026. The crucial difference from the past lies in the platform and access: The new FIFA will be a mobile-only title and available exclusively to Netflix subscribers. Exact details about the gameplay or the final title of the game are not yet known.Martin Maciej (Own opinion):No “real” World Cup game in sightHowever, for many long-time fans of the series, this announcement will come as a disappointment. The hope of a new, high-quality challenger for EA Sports FC on the major platforms has been dashed for the time being. Instead, FIFA positions itself as an accessible game for a broader audience that may be less interested in complex simulations and more interested in entertaining entertainment.You should take a look at these alternativesOnly PC players get the opportunity for some World Cup feeling on the screen. Avid modders have created a “Road To World Cup” modification for EA Sports FC 26. This unlocks 212 national teams and gets the authentic graphics that should also be visible during TV broadcasts. The download and installation instructions you can find it here.The World Cup 2026 mod for PES 2021 is also causing initial enthusiasm among football fans. Here too, the menus have been redesigned in the World Cup design. You can also play with all 48 World Cup countries. The update for the PC version is scheduled to be released in May. Keep to it the Evo web forum in eye. In the video you get an impression of what the whole thing will look like:Em Maio teremos or patch da Copa do Mundo for or this BMPES do PES 2021 (PC) Você vai poder jogar a Copa com 48 seleções, estádios, placar official, animações, ambientação completa, uniformes e convocações 100% It's easy to move at a slow pace. pic.twitter.com/fvXCBuKDVh— BMPES - Official (@BMPES) April 9, 2026 You can also replay the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada in Football Manager 26 without any mod effort. FIFA has officially granted the license for the manager game. The World Cup mode is not yet integrated into the game and will be added in time for the start of the tournament. You probably have to be here too until mid-May be patient.