Abu Dhabi will host 24 of the world’s leading Phygital Football teams from July 25 to 29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) for the “Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football” tournament.

This key event acts as the final qualifier for the Games of the Future 2025, set to take place in the same city from December 18 to 23.

Among the contenders are reigning champions Team Joga (USA), LPT Venezuela, and a strong mix of global talent.

The tournament concludes a year-long circuit that has included standout events like Phygital Origins and Phygital Rivals. It’s the last stop before the much-anticipated climax of the phygital season.

“Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football marks the end of an intense qualification journey and will pave the way for what we expect to be the most competitive edition of the Games of the Future,” said Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International.

Phygital sport blends traditional physical gameplay with digital elements, creating a unique and fast-evolving discipline. The Abu Dhabi showdown is set to raise the bar even further.

“Bringing this event to Abu Dhabi is a privilege and a major milestone,” said Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, the Local Delivery Authority for the Games of the Future. “We look forward to welcoming elite clubs and setting the stage for the future of competition.”

The tournament is organised by ASPIRE in collaboration with Ethara and Phygital International, the global rights holders of the Games.

The Games of the Future is an annual celebration of innovation in sport. Following this year’s edition in Abu Dhabi, the 2026 event is scheduled to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.

As the UAE capital continues to cement its role as a global leader in sports innovation, all eyes now turn to the July qualifiers a defining moment in the evolution of competitive gaming.

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