FIFA World Cup 2026 License Unsecured by Major Football Games

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, major football games like EA Sports FC, KONAMI's eFootball, and Dream League Soccer have not secured the official license. The end of EA's long partnership with FIFA left the governing body seeking new partners, but the process is more complicated than expected. Take-Two Interactive's CEO noted that acquiring the FIFA license involves negotiating with various national federations and organizations, making it a complex endeavor. Meanwhile, KONAMI was seen as a strong contender for the license due to its existing partnership with FIFA's esports division, yet no official announcement has been made as of early May 2026. The absence of a licensed World Cup experience raises questions about its value amidst existing titles that still offer compelling gameplay without the official branding.