The world of virtual football is about to reach a fever pitch. The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially confirmed that EA SPORTS FC 26 will be a cornerstone title at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 aka ENC 2026. Taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this November, the tournament marks a historic shift from club-based rivalries to the fierce pride of national competition.
EA SPORTS FC Joins Esports Nations Cup 2026 aka ENC 2026
From November 17 to 22, 2026, the ENC will transform the EA SPORTS FC landscape. Unlike traditional circuits where players represent elite esports organizations, the ENC focuses entirely on the “World Cup” experience. A total of 128 players will represent their respective nations, competing for a share of a dedicated $600,000 prize pool.
ENC 2026 EA Sports FC: The Road to the Gold
The path to Riyadh is designed to be both elite and inclusive. The 128-player roster will be filled through three distinct channels:
- Direct Invites (64 players): Based on the official EA SPORTS FC Pro World Rankings (cut-off July 26, 2026), limited to one player per nation.
- Regional Qualifiers (56 players): Held from July 27 to August 2 across ten global regions, including Africa, North America, and Europe.
- Wildcard Slots (8 players): Special entries to ensure diverse global representation.
ENC 2026: EA Sports FC – Tournament Format
The competition will be grueling. It begins with a Round-Robin Group Stage featuring 16 groups of eight players. Competing on PS5 in a 1v1 format, only the top four from each group will advance. From there, the stakes rise in a 64-player single-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in a Grand Final that will crown the very first ENC gold medalist.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the EWCF, emphasized that national teams add a “powerful new layer” to esports. By bringing EA SPORTS FC to the ENC stage, the foundation is tapping into the universal language of football to create new rivalries and cultural moments. As part of a larger $45 million commitment to the ENC ecosystem, this tournament ensures that virtual footballers have a sustainable, prestigious platform to play for the badge on their chest.
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