Acclaimed football title to power the digital stage of Phygital Football competition as teams compete for a US$625,000 prize pool in Astana this summer.
Dubai, UAE - March 30, 2026: UFL is set to return to the global stage as the official title for the digital phase of Phygital Football at the Games of the Future 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The collaboration brings a competitive, skill-driven football experience to one of the event’s most popular disciplines.
Designed for high-performance play, UFL emphasizes fairness, precision, and player control - key attributes for elite competition in a format that blends digital gameplay with real-world athletic performance. Teams will compete in UFL before transitioning to a live 5v5 match on the pitch, with combined results determining the winner. By integrating UFL into Phygital Football, the Games of the Future strengthens the connection between virtual and physical performance, underscoring the growing role of next-generation football titles in shaping hybrid sport.
The Phygital Football competition will take place from 4–9 August 2026 at the Athletics Sports Complex “Qazaqstan”, one of Astana’s premier venues for elite competition, where teams will compete for a total prize pool of [US$625,000].
As the competition builds momentum on and off the pitch, this announcement highlights the Games of the Future’s drive to unite leading gaming partners and football organizations in creating a new global standard for phygital competition.
William Al-Badeesh, Publisher Relations & IP Licensing Lead at Phygital International, said: “When you're building a phygital competition, the game title isn't just a licensing decision, it's a sporting one. UFL's emphasis on player control and true competitive balance means the digital stage genuinely reflects ability, not game mechanics. That's what makes it the right title for Phygital Football, and why we're bringing it back to a bigger stage in Astana.”
Phygital Football has firmly established itself as one of the prominent disciplines within the Games of the Future. At GOTF 2025 in Abu Dhabi, it emerged as a clear standout by drawing an average of 6,500 daily entries and generating 87.6 million cumulative views across streaming platforms. As it returns for GOTF 2026, the discipline builds on this momentum of driving excitement and shaping the future of sport.
“This is another important step for UFL’s competitive and esports ecosystem. We’re excited to continue supporting a format where digital gameplay and real-world football performance come together, while giving players and clubs an opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in phygital sport,” said Eugene Nashilov, CEO at Strikerz Inc.
With just under two months to go until the Games of the Future 2026 in Astana, the Phygital Football roster is steadily coming together. Teams to have secured direct qualification include CD Holcattes (Guatemala), Peñarol (Uruguay), joined by Orlando Pirates (South Africa). They will compete alongside last year’s champions, Mexico Quetzales Armadillos FC who will be looking to retain their crown. The final places will be decided at Phygital Contenders 2026 Astana, set for 10–15 June , where clubs from Cyprus, Brazil, Peru and more will battle for their slots at GOTF 2026.
Phygital Football is one of eight disciplines at the Games of the Future 2026, where more than 900 participants from over 50 nationalities are expected to compete for a total prize pool of over US$4M. Set to take place in Astana this summer, the event is also expected to welcome over 100,000 fans across its venues.
Further details on participating teams, qualification pathways, and broadcast information will be available soon on the official GOTF web page. Fans can also watch highlights from the Games of the Future 2025 via Phygital+, Phygital International’s dedicated Direct-to-Consumer platform.
Notes to Editors
About the Games of the Future (GOTF): The Games of the Future is an annual international event that reimagines sports by merging physical competition with digital evolution. It is the pinnacle of phygital sport, bringing together the next generation of champions from around the world in a diverse range of disciplines. Following its debut in Abu Dhabi in 2025, GOTF 2026 will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, showcasing the best in innovation, athleticism, and gaming culture.
For more information, please visit https://gofuture.games/
About Phygital International (PI): Phygital International is a global pioneer in promoting and advancing phygital sports, seamlessly merging the world of digital sports and physical gaming. As the official organizer of the annual Games of the Future, it is transforming the sports landscape for a new generation. By managing tournaments, guiding host-nation bids, and fostering global communities, Phygital International creates a dynamic hybrid environment where athleticism and digital innovation intersect, redefining what it means to compete and connect in today’s sporting world, and creating a pathway for the world’s phygital athletes, gamers and communities.
For more information, please visit https://phygitalinternational.com/.
About UFL
UFL is a free-to-play football video game where skill does the talking. Players build their clubs from scratch, develop their squads, and compete against others in a global online environment. UFL is available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, and PC with optional cross-play across all platforms.
About UFL on mobile
UFL on mobile is a free-to-play football game that brings console-quality football simulation to mobile devices. Players can build their clubs from scratch, collect and develop footballers, compete in global online matches, and experience skill-rewarding gameplay where the best players win. Designed for fast and accessible football sessions on the go, UFL on mobile combines competitive gameplay, regular live updates, and community-driven development in a global football environment.
The game is available to download on the App Store and Google Play.
About Strikerz Inc.
Strikerz Inc. is an international gaming company founded in 2016. Its team operates globally with four regional offices and over 400 employees worldwide. The company's headquarters is located in Cyprus.
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