Apex Legends has been confirmed as one of 16 titles set to feature at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, with national teams from 40 countries and territories competing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Apex Legends ENC 2026 Schedule Confirmed
The Apex Legends tournament will run from November 26 to November 29, 2026, as part of the wider ENC schedule, which debuts from November 2 to 29.
A total of 40 national teams will enter the competition, culminating in a 20-team match point final — a format that has consistently delivered drama on the biggest stages in Apex Legends and other battle royale titles.
Apex Legends is the latest addition to the Esports Nations Cup. Image Credit: Esports World Cup Foundation
Apex Legends ENC 2026 Format Explained
The event begins with a 40-team group stage. Teams will be split into four groups of 10 and compete in a round robin format, with each group playing a six-match series.
From there, the top 20 teams will advance to the finals.
The championship will be decided in a match-point final. Once a team reaches the designated match-point threshold, they must win a game to secure the title. There is no cap on the number of matches played, meaning finals can extend deep into the schedule if multiple teams activate match point without closing out.
ALGS Points To Determine 20 ENC National Teams
All 40 competing nations will earn their place through a mixture of Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) ranking and online qualification.
The 20 highest-ranked countries or territories — based on cumulative ALGS Championship Points from all eligible players — will automatically qualify. The points cut-off date is July 12, 2026.
A further 18 teams will qualify through regional online qualifiers, with two additional wildcard slots completing the field.
40 teams will compete in the inaugural ENC Apex Legends tournament. Image Credit: Esports World Cup Foundation
Importantly, national representation will be determined via online qualifiers held on August 1–2, 2026. The highest-placing roster from each country will earn the right to represent their nation at ENC, regardless of ALGS invitation status.
Teams will be limited to a maximum of two players from their ALGS Year 6 Split 1 roster, opening the door for new combinations and fresh lineups on the international stage.
ENC 2026 Apex Legends Regional Breakdown
Regional slot allocation for Online Qualifiers is as follows:
- Americas: 6
- Europe + Middle East + Africa: 9
- Asia Pacific North: 0
- South Korea and Japan will qualify via ALGS Championship ranking, with separate qualifiers held to determine their national rosters.
- Asia Pacific South: 3
Apex Legends joins the list of confirmed ENC 2026 titles alongside Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Trackmania, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Chess, Honor of Kings, Counter-Strike 2, EA Sports FC, Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG.
At the time of writing, five titles remain to be announced for the inaugural international competition.
