The EWCF has announced the support framework and criteria for aspiring Esports Nations Cup 2026 teams and representatives.
The Esports World Cup Foundation has unveiled the framework for National Team Representation at the Esports Nations Cup 2026, along with the support it will provide to the representatives. Here's what we know about National Teams in ENC26.
National Team Representatives Framework for ENC26
The EWCF has opened applications for national team representatives for the Esports Nations Cup 2026. These representatives will serve as "official national counterparts" for their respective countries and territories and will be responsible for building their teams for the competition.
These National Team Partners will also have to manage their own brand. This includes marketing and communications, social media presence, and collaborations with creators, media, and public institutions.
The EWCF will remain responsible for enforcing rules to preserve competitive integrity.
Many teams and organizations have partnerships with esports betting sites. They were generally allowed visibility by the Foundation, particularly in team liveries, during the Esports World Cup. There is no confirmation whether this will also be the case for ENC.
The ENC Development Fund
Similar to the Esports World Cup, there will also be a dedicated development fund for the Esports Nations Cup. The Foundation is committing at least USD$20 million annually to support the national team programs. This encompasses travel and logistics for the event, promotional activities, and operational costs.
Training camps and bootcamps, showmatches, watch parties, roadshows, and guestings to "major gaming and sports events" are also part of the support that the EWC is handing out to the teams.
“The purpose of the Esports World Cup Foundation is to elevate esports and make it sustainable,” 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 Team Partners to help define the framework 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.”
The EWCF is accepting applications across a wide range of parties, including esports orgs, Clubs, agencies, NGOs, national esports and sport federations and associations, government-backed entities, and content creators.
The first batch of approved National Team Partners will be announced in early 2026.
