Phygital Contenders Astana 2026: The Road to GOTF is ON

The road to the Games of the Future 2026 is ON as teams arrive in Kazakhstan for five days of high-energy phygital action. Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball and Phygital Dancing take center stage as Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 kicks off on 10 June.

From 10-14 June, more than 200 participants from over 20 WPC members will battle it out with one goal in mind: a place at the Games of the Future 2026.

Groupings have been locked. The schedule is set. The first teams have arrived. Now it’s time for a thrilling week of skill, speed and pure phygital intensity.

The final push before the Games of the Future 2026

This is it. Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 brings together some of the best teams in the phygital world, all chasing one prize - a spot on the global stage.

Every match blends digital mastery with real-world performance. In Phygital Football and Phygital Basketball, teams must deliver both in-game and on the field or court. Every moment counts. Every play matters.

In Phygital Dancing, athletes will light up the stage with rhythm, timing, and style under pressure. It’s fast. It’s dynamic. It’s all or nothing

There are no shortcuts here. To win, teams must be sharp, fast, tactical, and ready for anything – from the first match to the final whistle.

Teams arrive in Astana

The first teams have landed in Astana, bringing focus, confidence, and big ambition.

For many, this is more than just another event. It’s a defining moment. A final chance to prove they belong among the world’s best phygital athletes at the Games of the Future 2026.

"We were super well received by the city, and we are looking forward to doing a bit of tourism,” said Nico Santiago of Spanish football side Noname Club “Our expectations are first to qualify for the Games of the Future, demonstrate our level, and enjoy the whole phygital experience."

Schedule confirmed

The first matchups have been set across all three disciplines. Now the competition is ready to erupt.

Phygital Football

From June 10 to 14, the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Combat Sports Palace will host the action. Sixteen teams, split into four groups, will fight for knockout spots. Every game could change everything.

Phygital Basketball

From June 10 to 13, the Alau Ice Palace will host ten teams across two groups. Only the best will forward. The race to the title starts now.

Phygital Dancing

On June 10 and 11, Comfort Hotel Astana will host eleven phygital dancers as they hit the stage. It starts with qualifiers – but from the first beat, every move matters.

Fans can find the full schedule and official bracket here

What’s at stake

By the end of Phygital Contenders 2026, only the best will rise. The strongest teams and athletes will secure their place at the Games of the Future 2026and join the world’s phygital elite in Astana later this year.

Everything is ready. The teams are here. Now it’s time to compete.

Where to watch

Fans around the world can catch the action live through official streams and digital platforms. Coverage begins June 12 for Phygital Basketball and June 13 for Phygital Football on Phygital +. You can find all the details about the teams and athletes taking part in Phygital Contenders Astana 2026, along with all the results on our platform.