In the run-up to the Games of the Future 2026 (GOTF 2026), the details of the planned Phygital Contenders competitions have been confirmed. They will take place in June 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan for three core disciplines: Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball and Phygital Dancing, with the exact dates for each competition to be confirmed in early 2026.
Phygital Contenders: Astana – Football, Basketball and Dancing is a key step for clubs wanting to compete in GOTF 2026, where 24 clubs, ranked from 3rd to 26th in the WPC tournament rankings for their discipline, will compete for a space at the annual phygital extravaganza.
The clubs that qualify for Phygital Contenders: Astana – Football, Basketball and Dancing will have demonstrated consistency, creativity and competitive strength throughout the ranking period. Each discipline offers a distinct blend of physical performance and digital skill, highlighting teamwork, strategy and technical execution. Additionally, by joint decision of the WPC and Phygital International, adjustments have been made to the Phygital Shooter discipline pathway ahead of GOTF 2026:
- The Phygital Contenders 2026 for Phygital Shooter has been cancelled due to organizational constraints that prevent it from being held prior to GOTF 2026.
- Therefore, the quota for WPC clubs in the Phygital Shooter discipline at GOTF 2026 has been increased from 8 to 12. The top 12 ranked clubs from the WPC tournament ranking system will now qualify directly to GOTF 2026.
While one discipline has undergone structural changes, the broader trajectory of phygital sport remains one of expansion and consolidation. The WPC members continue to deliver a growing calendar of tournaments that uphold the principles of fair qualification, competitive integrity, and global accessibility.
As the ecosystem develops, the WPC remains committed to informing members proactively about updates that influence ranking pathways, competition formats, or qualification systems.
Phygital sport continues to establish itself as a dynamic and forward-looking global movement, and Phygital Contenders 2026 in Astana represents another step in strengthening the international competitive landscape.
