Global athletes arrive in Astana for Phygital Contenders 2026

It's almost time. The groups are locked, the schedule is set and the first teams have begun to arrive in Kazakhstan for what promises to be five days of high-energy phygital action. 

More than 200 participants from over 20 WPC members will be in the capital Astana from 10-14 June, competing in Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball and Phygital Dancing – all with one goal: a place at the Games of the Future 2026. 

Teams arrive in Astana

The first squads have landed, bringing focus, confidence and big ambitions. For many, this will be a defining moment, and a final chance to prove they belong among the world's best.

"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. Only six of the sixteen teams will secure their coveted spot at the Games of the Future 2026.

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. Just six teams from the ten will claim their spot at the Games of the Future 2026.

Phygital Dancing

From 10-11 June, Comfort Hotel Astana will host eleven phygital dancers as they hit the stage, and only six of them will get an opportunity to take part in the Games of the Future 2026. It starts with qualifiers – so from the first beat, every move will matters.

Fans can find the full schedule and official draws here.

Where to watch

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