GamingFIFA World CupAfter ending its partnership with EA Sports back in 2023, FIFA promised a new official game would soon follow. It finally comes out this week ahead of the 2026 World Cup23:32, 10 Jun 2026Updated 23:32, 10 Jun 2026Don't call it a comeback - no, seriously, don't - but FIFA games are back on the menu.‌Following the end of a fruitful, decades-long partnership with EA Sports, FIFA has returned to the official football videogame space. Having previously promised this day would come, it's safe to say it isn't quote what football fans imagined it'd look like.‌There hasn't been an official World Cup game since 2014, when the world's game headed to Brazil for an unforgettable summer of sport. Between then and now, we've had updates for EA Sports FIFA 23 for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, and EA Sports FIFA 18 for Russia's competition.‌However, that barren streak ends this week with the release of FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition on Netflix. The streaming giant is expanding its ever-growing catalogue of games with the new officially licensed 'streamlined' football sim.Up to four players can enjoy the game, which uses mobile devices as the controller with the TV as the 'stadium'. After launching the game on a TV using Netflix, players scan a QR code with their phone to take control of players from all 48 nations taking part in this year's tournament.‌Netflix and FIFA have promised all 16 real-world stadiums will be featured, and it launches on the same day as the competition's real-life opening fixture. FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition is available on Thursday, June 11.It's part of the Games on TV feature for Netflix and there's a vow for the game to "evolve over time". A limited test began in Brazil on June 4, and it'll be available initially in 19 countries including the UK and Ireland.The game won't be available on consoles or PC, instead being exclusively released on Netflix. Updates are set to introduce "additional depth and new features" in the near future.‌Sadly, it's been met with a bit of a disappointing response. Streamer Joe Ham said: "What in the PlayStation 2 is this?" during a TikTok video.He said the game's visuals are "no better" than what EA Sports released in FIFA 16 a decade ago, saying "you can't even compare it" to EA FC 26. Reddit users are equally unimpressed, with one calling it "hilariously bad".Article continues belowContent cannot be displayed without consentThey added: "What were they thinking? They could have easily given it to eFootball and we would probably have better modes. It’s laughable how bad it looks."While it's fair to say the Netflix game doesn't stand up visually to modern day football sims like EA Sports' well-oiled franchise, judging it so early - before it's even offficially out yet - does seem fairly premature.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌FIFA World CupNetflixEA SportsEA Sports FCFIFAGamingVideo Games