The spotlight turns to Abu Dhabi as 24 of the world’s top Phygital Football teams gear up for the highly anticipated “Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football” tournament, set to take place from July 25 to 29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

This high-stakes competition marks the final qualifying round for the Games of the Future 2025, which will be held in the UAE capital from December 18 to 23. Among the teams vying for the coveted spots are reigning champions Team Joga (USA) and LPT Venezuela, alongside other elite clubs from around the world.

The Abu Dhabi tournament wraps up a year-long international circuit that featured key events like Phygital Origins and Phygital Rivals. It will be the ultimate proving ground before the grand finale of the phygital sports calendar.

“Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football represents the culmination of a season-long qualification process and will set the stage for what promises to be the most competitive Games of the Future to date,” said Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International.

Phygital sport, a fast-rising discipline that blends physical and digital gameplay, offers a unique hybrid experience. The upcoming event is expected to push the boundaries of innovation in sport even further.

“Hosting the Phygital Contenders in Abu Dhabi is both a great honour and a significant responsibility,” said Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, the Local Delivery Authority for the Games of the Future. “We’re thrilled to welcome the world’s top clubs and provide the platform where the future of global competition is being shaped.”

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

The Games of the Future is an annual showcase celebrating the fusion of physical and digital sports. After this year’s edition in Abu Dhabi, the 2026 event is set to move to Astana, Kazakhstan.

As Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a global hub for innovation and sport, the July qualifiers are poised to captivate audiences and redefine the future of international competition.