Best football games to play during FIFA World Cup 2026

As the FIFA World Cup captivates football fans worldwide, several video games offer immersive ways to experience the sport. From eFootball and Dream League Soccer 26 to Goals and FC 26, these titles deliver realistic gameplay, online competition and World Cup-inspired action.

With the FIFA World Cup in full swing, some football games for you to try. We are truly immersed in all things football – be it the three opening ceremonies last week, the four to five matches happening every day, or even the football fans among us complaining about their sleep schedules. With 48 teams participating and 104 matches, this is the longest football tournament ever and will only draw to a close on July 19, 2026.

This week’s column helps you both participate in the football fever and stay informed for the World Cup by identifying four games that are worth trying.

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1. eFootball

Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows, iOS and Android
Price: Free-to-play with in-app purchases

Konami’s successor to the iconic Pro Evolution Soccer franchise is a modern take on some of the most wonderful mechanics in football games. With its signature fluid passing and balanced approach to gameplay, Konami has repeatedly delivered the most accurate simulation of the sport. If you prefer to play online, eFootball also has stars from the tournament available in the Dream Team mode, alongside yesteryear winners like the 1994 Brazil squad and the 2006 Italian team.

2. Dream League Soccer 26

Available on: iOS and Android
Price: Free-to-play with in-app purchases

From the makers of the evergreen Score! Hero, Dream League Soccer allows you to build your favourite squads in an Ultimate Team or Dream Team-like format while competing online. In line with the World Cup, the game lets players chart their own journey through the tournament via an International Cup mode or through curated Special Events.

3. Goals

Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and Windows
Price: Free-to-play with in-app purchases

The newest game on the block, Goals, only launched on the 4th of June and is designed to focus purely on gameplay. The developers claim that the focus of the game is purely player skill, emphasising matchmaking quality and ensuring there is no input lag. Due to this gameplay-only focus, Goals has no licensed players or teams; however, those looking for World Cup-style action can participate in the online Knockout mode against other players. A free-to- play model and some really smooth gameplay are the main reasons to consider Goals.

4. FC 26

Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC
Price: Rs 150 on Steam, Rs 999 on Xbox, and free for eligible PlayStation Plus subscribers

The final game on the list is the only one with an officially licensed World Cup tournament. Dubbed “the world’s game,” this mode is an accurate recreation of the ongoing World Cup, allowing players to play through the competition with authentic teams, footballers, and venues. If you are looking to recreate the most accurate spectacle, then this is your game. For those of you who are already playing Ultimate Team, now is the chance to get unique live cards (Path to Glory) and unlock World Cup special versions of Pelé and Maradona.

FC 26 has rarely been more affordable, and PlayStation players with eligible subscriptions can currently access it at no additional cost.