Esports World Cup Moves To France For 2026 Global Edition

Esports World Cup will relocate its 2026 edition, moving the flagship global tournament away from Saudi Arabia and assigning France as the new host nation, as confirmed in a recent gaming news roundup.

France is set to become the first European country to stage the Esports World Cup, with expectations that major venues in cities such as Paris or Lyon will be prepared to welcome both live spectators and massive online viewership.

Saudi Arabia will no longer host the event, relinquishing its previously announced duties and prompting regional esports officials to note a shift in focus toward developing future local competitions and strengthening domestic gaming infrastructure.

The relocation is expected to reshape team travel plans, alter sponsorship arrangements, and modify fan attendance patterns, as European markets anticipate heightened viewership numbers and potential economic gains from hosting the high‑profile tournament.