The Esports World Cup Foundation has confirmed that PUBG Mobile will be the 16th competitive title of the first edition of the Esports Nations Cup 2026. The tournament is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to November 29, 2026, with PUBG Mobile matches running from November 3 to November 8. The event will conclude with a Grand Final featuring 16 teams, representing some of the best national teams worldwide.
In total, 32 national teams will compete in PUBG Mobile. The competition will start with a group stage in round-robin format, divided into four groups of eight teams each. The top four teams from each group will qualify for the finals, where they will compete in up to 18 matches following the “Smash rule” points system to determine the ultimate champion.
The selection of teams for PUBG Mobile at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 will be a combination of rankings, direct invitations, and regional qualifications. Half of the tournament spots will be given through direct invitations, while twelve teams will qualify based on their national rankings in PUBG Mobile. This ranking considers performances in major events such as the 2025 World Cup, the 2025 World Championship, and the 2026 World Open.
Additionally, four teams will receive special invitations, and the remaining sixteen teams will qualify through regional tournaments and two “Wildcard” spots. Regional qualifications are scheduled between July 10 and July 12, 2026, providing national teams with an opportunity to secure their place in the Grand Final.
Recent competitive history of PUBG Mobile has been strong in the international esport scene. During the 2025 Esports World Cup, Myanmar’s Yangon Galacticos emerged as champions after the previous winners, Alpha7 Esports, were eliminated earlier in the tournament. The success of these teams reflects the growing competitive depth of PUBG Mobile, with a prize pool of $75 million announced for this year’s World Cup.
The inclusion of PUBG Mobile in the 2026 Esports Nations Cup highlights the ongoing appeal of the game as a competitive title. By bringing together national teams from various regions, the tournament aims to provide high-level esports competition recognized internationally.
Source: PocketGamer
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FAQ: – When will PUBG Mobile take place at the Esports Nations Cup 2026? PUBG Mobile matches will be held from November 3 to November 8, 2026, with a Grand Final featuring 16 teams. – How many teams will compete in PUBG Mobile? A total of 32 national teams will participate, starting with a group stage before moving on to the finals. – How are teams selected for the tournament? Teams will qualify through a combination of direct invitations, national team rankings, regional qualifications, and special invitations or “Wildcard” spots. – What is the “Smash rule” points system? The Smash rule is a competitive points system used to score matches in PUBG Mobile tournaments, determining rankings based on performances across multiple games. – Where will the Esports Nations Cup 2026 take place? The tournament will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to November 29, 2026. – What was the previous major tournament for PUBG Mobile? The most recent major event was the 2025 Esports World Cup, won by Myanmar’s Yangon Galacticos.
