Netflix Leans Into World Cup With New Specials And FIFA World Cup Game

BusinessMediaNetflix Leans Into World Cup With New Specials And FIFA World Cup GameByRick Ellis,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. The global media business, from streaming to linear TVFollow AuthorJun 08, 2026, 02:05am EDTA screen shot of the Netflix game "FIFA World Cup Launch Edition"Netflix, 2026In just a few days, the World Cup kicks off in Mexico City. Fox Sports and NBC Universal’s Telemundo have the exclusive broadcast and streaming rights in the United States, which will make it the go-to destination for World Cup fans.But if you are a media company that isn’t Fox Sports or NBC Universal, you want to try and attract some of those viewers with some original World Cup-adjacent programming.Global streamer Netflix is going all in on soccer, rolling out a series of soccer (or football) related documentaries and specials, as well as a new mobile game that can be played on your television.FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition will be available exclusively on Netflix Games starting June 11th, timed to coincide with the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup 2026.The game will allow users to select from all 48 national teams competing in the tournament, play across 16 real-world stadiums and control any of the 1,248 players participating in the Cup.And here is a rundown of all the new World Cup-adjacent specials and docuseries, which include not just modern soccer coverage, but documentaries about some of the sport’s most memorable and controversial stories. New World Cup And Soccer Programming On NetflixBrazil '70: The Third Star (5 episodes)In 1970, a team of stars took the field under huge pressure - and cemented Brazil's reputation as the land of football. This is how they did it.Mexico 86 Martin is mediocre at everything, but when he sees the a chance to bring football gold to Mexico, he proves not all goals are scored on the field.Poldi Footballer, entrepreneur, fan favorite and true community hero - Lukas Pod...