Esports Nations Cup announces qualifiers for 2026 event

Over four months after the event's initial announcement, we now have the confirmed list of nations that will host qualifiers for the Esports Nations Cup. With 96 countries and territories now decided, the event shifts to phase two: the qualifiers to find which players will represent each country.

The North America region will run eight qualifiers for each of the selected countries/territories. Once the qualifiers have determined one team for each country/territory, those eight teams will compete in another qualifier for one of NA's three slots at the LAN final.

That LAN final will feature 24 teams from around the world competing for $1.32 million starting on November 10th.

The NA countries/territories are:

The different qualifiers begin on different days, starting on July 6th. The Canadian qualifier begins on July 9th, while the United States qualifier begins on July 14th. Those interested in joining the competition can do so at this FACEIT link and find their nation's CS qualifier.