Meet the teams of Phygital Contenders Astana 2026
Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 is about to begin – and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Teams have arrived in Kazakhstan’s capital with one clear goal: to earn their place at the Games of the Future 2026.
The countdown is almost over. The first matches are so close. Across Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball and Phygital Dancing, athletes are ready for a few intense, decisive days that could change everything.
Every match matters. Every performance counts. Every point can decide who moves on – and who doesn’t.
Teams to watch
Before the action begins, several teams are already drawing attention as strong contenders.
Phygital Football
Sixteen clubs will battle it out in Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 – Football. Expect fast, intense and action-packed matches at every turn. Below is the full list of teams.
KMF Titograd, return with experience from Phygital Contenders Abu Dhabi 2025. ACF x Allur, who are based in Kazakhstan, could be quite the foe to beat, as they are strong in both digital and physical play. Oeste SP brings elite Fut7 talent, including players with Brazilian Fut7 national team and Kings League experience. And that's just the start. You can find more information about all the teams here.
Phygital Basketball
Ten teams will go head-to-head in a fast, tactical battle for control.
ARENA BULLS arrive with a bold approach - "strong on the court, smart in the game". UZBEK HYPER HOOPS will rely on their "golden generation" of 2004: Tolegen Ismatov, Bekmurod Valiev, and Marcel Khayrutdinov. Valencia Basket adds serious pedigree, with major titles and current 3×3 world champion status. For more details on all the teams, head over to our platform.
Phygital Dancing
Phygital Dancing is all about rhythm, precision and presence – under pressure and in front of an audience. Eleven dancers will take the stage in Astana, each with their own style.
They will include:
- Viagonce, who was runner-up of the Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi
- Ada Petrovic, who only started competing last November now competes with a chance to reach the Games of the Future.
- Susan Huertas is the winner of Phygital Rivals Guatemala 2026 and part of the Guatemalan national esports team.
Check out our platform for a closer look at all the teams and athletes.
Expectations are high
As teams settle, the mood is focused yet ambitious.
Marcos Reos, athlete for Valencia Basket, said: “Our objective here is not just to qualify for the Games of the Future 2026, but to win Phygital Contenders Astana 2026. We approach every game with the same mentality, to perform at our best and leave the court knowing we gave everything, regardless of the result. Being in Kazakhstan has also been a great experience. There are many cultural differences compared to home, but I’ve been really impressed by how welcoming and kind everyone has been. The hospitality we’ve received has made us feel very comfortable from the moment we arrived.”
Another competitor pointed to the unique challenge of the phygital format.
Lucas Vieira Sousa, athlete from Oeste SP said: “Phygital sport combines two things I’ve been passionate about for more than 10 years: football and football video games. Having competed in Abu Dhabi last year, I know how high the standard is at this level. It’s great to be in Kazakhstan, and our full focus is on tomorrow’s match. Hopefully, we can get the result we need and qualify for the Games of the Future 2026.”
With so many strong teams, predicting a winner is tough. One thing is clear: by the end, only the strongest teams and athletes will take the next step toward the global stage at the Games of the Future 2026.
Where to watch
Fans around the world can follow Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 live on official streams and digital platforms. The competition kicks off June 10, with Phygital + streams starting June 12 for Phygital Basketball and June 13 for Phygital Football. All results will be posted on our platform throughout the event.
