Final Group Stage Day Set the Tone for Quarterfinal Showdown

The group stage is officially a wrap, and it went out in style.

Day Three of Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football brought serious intensity, last-chance efforts, and some emotional wins as clubs gave everything to secure their spot in the quarterfinals. It was the final day of group action, and clubs knew that even one goal could make the difference.

OAA Esports lit up the hall with a commanding 9–4 win over Gentle Neighbours, bringing together sharp digital play and a standout physical showing.

“I advise everyone to take up phygital sport. It’s an exciting concept that combines mental strength and physical ability,” said Omer Al Aamri, player, OAA Esports.

FC Whitebird kept their momentum alive, taking down CEFL PHYGITAL 8–5 with their signature cool-headed approach to book their place in the quarterfinals. “It’s in our DNA to remain calm and focused. We’ve got the chemistry to go all the way,” said Nikalayevich Mikita, captain and player, FC Whitebird.

Zero Tenacity are officially the comeback kings. Down 3–2 after the digital round to Orlando Pirates Fives, they flipped the script on the field with the total scoreline of 7–6. Captain Roksic Marko opened the scoring, while Morris Brendon of Orlando Pirates Fives shined with a hat-trick in a valiant effort. The name might be “Zero Tenacity,” but the club is all grit and fire, which led them to secure a quarterfinals spot.

In a nail-biter between Team Ghana and Aigles Phygital, the match went down to the wire. Aigles Phygital clawed back from a 5–4 digital deficit to take it 7–6 in a thrilling finish. Big-game mentality on full display.

Navai vs IndexG served up fireworks. After being outplayed 8–1 in the digital stage, Navai stormed back with five field goals, despite being a man down after Timur Turakulov was sent off for two yellow cards in three minutes. The final score kept IndexG ahead, propelling them to the quarterfinals, but Navai made sure it wasn’t easy.

Greni Smith put on a show against PGM Covic. Down 8–7 after the digital round, they shut their opponents down on the field with an 8–0 blowout. Star player Nemanja Kojic scored a magnificent super hat-trick to seal a great win and seal a quarterfinals spot.

To wrap things up, Libertadores PT edged Team Santa 5–4 in a cagey, back-and-forth affair to book their ticket to the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinal Matchups Confirmed

With the group stage complete, the top eight clubs are now set for the quarterfinals, which kick off on 28 July at ADNEC. The next stages will decide who goes on to the Games of the Future 2025, happening 18–23 December in Abu Dhabi.

The confirmed quarterfinals lineup: