Netflix reviews the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup through its series, documentaries and games

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was also experienced on Netflix through series, documentaries, talk shows and video games. More than two weeks after the final whistle, the platform has reviewed the impact of its football-related content during the tournament in figures and has turned its attention to the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.

Netflix explains that its football programming came to life at the same time as the competition. The offering included titles such as Brazil ’70: The Third Star, Mexico 86, James of Colombia and Norway Back in the Game, as well as the official video game FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition.

Football views soared in May

According to data released by Netflix, weekly views of its football titles doubled in May and recorded an increase of more than 250% compared with the weekly views recorded between January and April.

The platform also notes that interest in some content rose alongside specific moments in the tournament. In Brazil, views of the documentary series Ronaldinho increased by 34% in the hours after the former footballer appeared during the half-time show at the World Cup final.

The performance of the productions was also linked to the national teams’ progress. As Norway’s campaign advanced, Norway Back in the Game reached the top spot in the country during its first week on Netflix. The series also remained among Norway’s 10 most-watched titles throughout the tournament.

«The Rest Is Football», balancing analysis and entertainment

Netflix’s football programming also included The Rest Is Football, hosted by Gary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer. Throughout the tournament, the programme offered jokes, analysis and opinions on the matches.

Netflix describes its episodes as a ritual for fans who tuned in between one game and the next. The programme reached the weekly Top 10 in the United Kingdom, and the platform has already confirmed its renewal for the 2026–2027 Premier League season.

The format combined conversation between three former footballers with daily coverage of the competition, with episodes linked to the World Cup’s progress. In this way, the content became part of viewers’ experience during the tournament’s matchdays.

FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, Netflix’s most popular game during the tournament

The official video game FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition allowed Netflix members to star in their own match. Users could play as a country, access real stadiums and compete in an experience inspired by the World Cup.

During the tournament, the game became Netflix’s most popular title. Even after the final whistle, fans continued to use it: the platform recorded an increase of more than 40% above the usual level.

The ranking of the most popular national teams in the video game was led by Brazil, followed by Mexico and Argentina. The choice of teams also varied according to the players’ country. In Brazil, most opted to play as their home nation. In the United States, however, Argentina was the most popular choice.

Vinícius Júnior, Raúl Jiménez and Cristiano Ronaldo among the most upgraded players

The game allows players to use virtual currency to upgrade their favourite footballers, improve their skills and unlock new moves. In almost every country, users backed a local star.

In Brazil, the player who received the most upgrades was Vinícius Júnior, while in Mexico it was Raúl Jiménez. Netflix says there was one exception: in the United States, the most upgraded footballer was Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

These figures show how users adapted the video game experience to their preferences and their connection with their national teams or footballing heroes. Brazil was also the most popular team in the title, ahead of Mexico and Argentina.

The next event: the 2027 Women’s World Cup

Netflix has already turned its attention to the next major competition. The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will arrive on the platform in the United States and Canada between 24 June and 25 July 2027.

The company invites fans to follow the countdown through TUDUM, its space dedicated to Netflix news. The next women’s edition will thus take over from programming that, during the 2026 World Cup, combined documentaries, analysis, entertainment and an interactive offering.

The review presented by the platform brings together the performance of its series and documentaries, the response to its talk shows and use of its official video game. Key figures include the increase of more than 250% in weekly views of football titles during May, the 34% growth of «Ronaldinho» in Brazil and the more than 40% rise in game activity after the final.