The Esports World Cup Foundation has confirmed that PUBG Mobile will feature as the 16th competitive title at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2nd to 29th, 2026, with PUBG Mobile matches running from November 3rd to 8th. The event will conclude with a 16-team Grand Final, showcasing some of the top national teams from around the world.
A total of 32 national teams will compete in PUBG Mobile. The competition begins with a round robin group stage, divided into four groups of eight teams each. The top four teams from each group will advance to the finals, where they will face off in up to 18 matches under the Smash rule point system, determining the eventual champion.
How Teams Will Qualify
Team selection for PUBG Mobile at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 will follow a combination of rankings, invitations, and regional qualifiers. Half of the tournament spots will be filled through direct invitations, while twelve teams will earn qualification based on the PUBG Mobile National Team Ranking. This ranking considers performance in major events such as the 2025 World Cup, the 2025 Global Championship, and the 2026 Global Open.
Additionally, four teams will receive special invitations, and the remaining sixteen teams will qualify through regional tournaments along with two Wildcard spots. Regional qualifiers are scheduled to take place between July 10th and 12th, 2026, giving national teams a chance to secure their place in the Grand Final.
PUBG Mobile’s Recent Competitive History
PUBG Mobile has maintained a strong presence in international esports over the past year. At the 2025 Esports World Cup, Yangon Galacticos from Myanmar emerged as the champions after the defending winners, Alpha7 Esports, were eliminated earlier in the tournament. The success of these teams reflects the growing competitive depth of PUBG Mobile, with a reported $75 million prize pool announced for this year’s World Cup.
The inclusion of PUBG Mobile in the Esports Nations Cup 2026 highlights the game’s continued appeal as a competitive title. By bringing together national teams from multiple regions, the tournament aims to offer a high-level, internationally recognized esports competition.
Source: PocketGamer
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is PUBG Mobile scheduled at the Esports Nations Cup 2026?
PUBG Mobile matches will take place from November 3rd to 8th, 2026, with the Grand Final featuring 16 teams.
How many teams will compete in PUBG Mobile?
A total of 32 national teams will participate, starting with a round robin group stage before advancing to the finals.
How are teams selected for the tournament?
Teams will qualify through a combination of direct invitations, National Team Rankings, regional qualifiers, and special or Wildcard invitations.
What is the Smash rule point system?
The Smash rule is a competitive point system used to score matches in PUBG Mobile tournaments, determining rankings based on performance across multiple games.
Where will the Esports Nations Cup 2026 take place?
The tournament will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, running from November 2nd to 29th, 2026.
What was the previous major PUBG Mobile tournament?
The most recent major event was the 2025 Esports World Cup, won by Yangon Galacticos of Myanmar.
