Konami begins FIFAe World Cup Challenger Series

A global grind toward FIFAe glory just kicked off, and over 110 nations are lining up to chase a World Cup slot through pure in-game sweat.

Konami and FIFA roll out Challenger Series

• Konami Digital Entertainment launched the Challenger Series with FIFA.
• The program feeds directly into the FIFAe World Cup 2026, featuring eFootball.
• Mobile Division switches to 2v2, matching Console Division rules.
• This marks the third edition of the tournament.

Participation hits record territory

• More than 110 FIFA member nations and regions signed up.
• Croatia, Kenya, and Tunisia joined the lineup this year.
• Last season pulled roughly 16.51 million participants worldwide.
• That turnout ranked it among the biggest global football esports events.

Format and February schedule details

• The Challenger Series splits into the Console Division and the Mobile Division.
• Both brackets run on the Dream Team mode.
• Rounds 1 and 2 span February 12 to 19.
• Round 3 runs from February 19 to 22 as PvP only.

National team selection is not automatic

• National team spots hinge on AI, PvP, and ranking results.
• Organizers stressed that Challenger results do not lock selections.
• Each country’s football association makes the final call.
• FIFA.GG will post every nation’s criteria later.

Path to the 2026 World Championship

• International qualifiers follow the Challenger Series stage.
• Those events decide who reaches the 2026 finals.
• FIFA confirmed in 2025 a multi-year deal with the Saudi Esports Federation.
• SEF Arena in Riyadh will host eFootball and Rocket League World Cups.