eFootball™ Announces Challenger Series on the Road to FIFAe World Cup 2026 featuring eFootball

A record-high over 110 FIFA member nations and regions will compete in this year’s tournament co-organized with FIFA, which will now include strategic 2v2 matches on mobile.

Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. (KONAMI) announced details on the Challenger Series, an in-game competitive program on the road to the FIFAe World Cup 2026™ featuring eFootball™ co-organized with Fédération Internationale de Football Association officially begins today, February 12 (Thu).

Marking the third edition of this growing global competition, last year’s tournament saw approximately 16.51 million participants, establishing it as one of the largest international football esports activities in the world. This year welcomes new participating nations including Croatia, Kenya, and Tunisia, contributing to a record number of over 110 FIFA member nations and regions participating.

For the first time, the Mobile Division will adopt a 2v2 format, aligning with Console Division regulations and creating another strategic environment for players.

The Challenger Series consists of two competitive divisions: the Console Division and the Mobile Division.
National team candidate selection will be based on performance in AI matches, PvP matches, and ranking events. It should be noted that Challenger Series results do not guarantee national team selection, and final selections are made by each participating country’s football association, which may use Challenger Series outcomes as one factor among several.

Following the Challenger Series, international qualifying tournaments will determine which countries advance to tthe FIFAe World Cup 2026™ featuring eFootball™ on Mobile and Console taking place later this year.

FIFAe World Cup 2026™ featuring eFootball™ Challenger Series Overview

Round 1 – Round 2

•            Event Dates: Thursday 12th February – Thursday 19th February
•            Game Mode: Dream Team
•            Event Type: Challenge Event (AI matches / PvP)

Round 3

•            Event Dates: Thursday 19th February – Sunday 22nd February
•            Game Mode: Dream Team
•            Event Type: Ranking Event (PvP)

Key Highlights

•            Challenger Series results are considered by national football associations
•            A record-high over 110 FIFA member nations and regions are participating
•            Mobile Division introduces 2v2 format for the first time

eFootball fans and participants should visit the FIFA.GG Official Website for further updates:

https://www.fifa.gg/efootball/c/fifae-challenger-series-2026

Important Information:

1.            Some countries/regions are not eligible for the “FIFAe World Cup 2026™ featuring eFootball™”.
2.            The “Challenger Series” event will be a 1vs1 format.
3.            The selection of national team players varies by participating country. Information on each country’s selection criteria will be published on the FIFA.GG website in the future.
4.            Challenger Series results may be considered by national football associations; final national team selections are independently determined and not guaranteed by event performance

For additional information:

•            https://www.konami.com/efootball/en-us/
•            https://x.com/play_eFootball
•            https://www.facebook.com/playeFootball
•            https://www.instagram.com/efootball/
•            www.youtube.com/officialpes