National Team Partner Applications Closed
The application window has closed on January 31st. The evaluation process has started. Learn more about the evaluation process!
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (January 8, 2026) - The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today opened the application process for official National Team Partners for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), a global country/territory-based esports competition set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026.
The Esports Nations Cup introduces national representation to the global esports calendar in a structured, recurring format. It complements the Club-based Esports World Cup by enabling players to compete under their country's/territory's flag and offering fans an opportunity to connect with elite esports through national identity.
National Team Representation Model
National Team Partners
National Team Partners will serve as the official national representatives for the ENC within their respective countries and territories. In partnership with the EWCF, they will coordinate national representation for the ENC, oversee and support national team coaches per game title, and coordinate with publishers and Clubs within the ENC framework. Through marketing campaigns, social media communications, and collaboration with creators, media, and public institutions, National Team Partners will mobilize their local communities to build national fandom for their teams. Each selected National Team Partner will nominate a National Team Manager, verified and approved by the EWCF.
National Team Managers
National Team Managers serve as the primary point of contact for the Esports Nations Cup and are responsible for the communication between the national teams and EWCF. They select the game coaches and support those in building the national rosters in coordination with publishers, clubs, and players. They will also be onsite at official ENC-related events to represent their country/territory.
Eligible applicants include esports organizations, clubs, agencies, NGOs, national esports federations or associations, content creators, and experienced esports professionals with strong national ecosystem ties. The first group of approved National Team Partners will be announced in March 2026.
Team selection and competitive eligibility remain governed by ENC rules and publisher-aligned processes, ensuring competitive integrity and consistency across titles.
National Roster Selection
So how will national rosters be built? In every country/territory, the selected game coaches per title will be responsible for building the best possible roster for their respective titles. So it’s the coach’s obligation to decide which players get chosen for the national team.
However, they have to follow the player eligibility guidelines set out by EWCF and the respective publishers, which will be announced later in January. Furthermore, the proposed roster will have to be approved for compliance with said guidelines by National Team Managers and EWCF before being locked in.
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed through a multi-stage evaluation process assessing governance standards, ecosystem standing, operation capability, community reach, and alignment with publisher requirements.
For more information, check out the application process page.
2026 Roadmap
ENC competition principles
Word from the Leadership
Ralf Reichert
CEO, Esports World Cup Foundation
"The mission of the Esports World Cup Foundation is to build structures that help esports grow in a clear, credible, and sustainable way,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “The Esports Nations Cup is a natural next step in that journey. By opening this application process, we are inviting trusted national partners to help build the foundations for how countries and territories are represented in esports – with clear roles, aligned governance, and a system that works for players, game partners, and fans alike."
