The road to ENC 2026 just got a lot more official. After more than 630 applications from 152 countries and territories, the EWCF has named National Team Partners (NTPs) and National Team Managers (NTMs) who will build each nation's rosters ahead of the November finals in Riyadh.

How ENC 2026 national teams work

ENC is built around nationality, not traditional org-based teams. That means countries will enter with national teams, not club lineups. The setup leans on two roles:

  • NTP and NTM An organizational partner handles fan engagement and marketing, while a manager runs daily team operations.
  • NTM only A single manager handles coordination, without a supporting organization.
  • Regional manager For nations without a named NTP or NTM, EWCF staff will manage the entry. Players can still apply directly to be a coach or a team captain.

Which orgs are signing up

Some national setups read like a who's who of pro esports. Here are the highlights:

Brazil

The Aliança Brasileira de Esports brings together many of Brazil's top names. FURIA, MIBR, Loud, Fluxo, paiN Gaming, and Red Canids are all backing the national effort.

United States

USA Esports assembled a major coalition. Supporting organizations include 100 Thieves, Cloud9, TSM, NRG, Dignitas, FlyQuest, and Spacestation Gaming.

Argentina

Argentina's entry is backed by a long list of orgs, including 9z, KRÜ, AGS, FiRe, ShindeN, and more than 20 others.

Europe

Spain's national effort under Lastlap SL features KOI, Team Heretics, GiantX, and FC Barcelona Esports. Great Britain's setup brings together Fnatic, the Football Association, Scottish Esports, and Esports Wales under the British Esports Federation. Finland is co-led by ENCE and the Finnish Esports Federation, and Norway's entry is backed by HEROIC.

Asia and Middle East

Japan's lineup includes Zeta Division, DFM, Crazy Raccoon, Reject, and Fennel. China's national structure under JingYue includes Bilibili Gaming, Tyloo, Lynn Vision Gaming, and Xtreme Gaming. The United Arab Emirates is backed by Team Nigma and Abu Dhabi Gaming.

All this organizational support, plus a $45 million prize and development fund, should encourage top players from many games to sign up for ENC.

With national teams now taking shape, ENC 2026 is moving from concept to reality. Expect national pride, serious org backing, and a busy road to Riyadh in November.