The organizers of Esports World Cup 2026 have updated the format for the LAN qualifiers for the CS2 tournament
The Esports Foundation has published details regarding the LAN qualifiers for the 2026 Esports World Cup. All information is available on the qualifiers page on FACEIT.
A total of 128 teams will compete in the qualifiers, with only 4 of them receiving invitations to the main stage of the 2026 Esports World Cup. The event’s total prize pool will be $100,000. The organizers have already begun the roster verification process—all interested teams can submit an application and confirm their participation by August 2. It has been announced that registered teams are not allowed to update their rosters or withdraw from the qualifiers. Teams that violate this rule will receive a two-month ban on FACEIT. Currently, the list of participants includes Fnatic, HEROIC, 100 Thieves, BIG, Virtus.pro, Team Liquid, HOTU, K27, and others.
It has also been reported that clubs must bring their teams to Paris at their own expense. The Esports Foundation will not cover participants’ expenses or provide visa assistance. However, the four teams that advance to the main stage of the championship will receive free accommodations, transportation, meals, and round-trip airfare.
The Esports World Cup 2026 will take place from August 12 to 23 in Paris, France. Thirty-two teams will compete in the tournament to determine the 16 teams that will advance to the playoffs. The championship’s prize pool will total $2,000,000.
Photo: Esports Foundation.
