Esports
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 at Esports World Cup 2026: Everything you need to know
Watch Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 for free on DAZN
Call of Duty returns to the Esports World Cup with a brand-new title, fresh storylines and $1.8 million in prize money on the line as 16 of the world's best teams battle for glory in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Taking place in Paris from August 6-9, the tournament brings together Call of Duty League powerhouses, Last Chance Qualifier success stories and some of the biggest organisations in esports, all chasing the Esports World Cup trophy and valuable Club Championship points.
Here's everything you need to know before the action gets underway.
When is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 at Esports World Cup 2026?
The Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 tournament takes place from Thursday, August 6 until Sunday, August 9.
Group Stage: Thursday, August 6 - Friday, August 7
Playoffs: Saturday, August 8
Grand Final: Sunday, August 9
What is the format for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 at Esports World Cup 2026?
Sixteen teams have secured their place at the tournament following the conclusion of the Last Chance Qualifier.
The competition begins with two GSL-format groups of eight teams, where every match is played as a best-of-five series. The top four teams from each group progress to the knockout stage.
The playoffs feature an eight-team single-elimination bracket, with upper-bracket qualifiers randomly drawn against lower-bracket qualifiers from the opposite group.
Every playoff match is played as a best-of-seven, before the tournament concludes with a best-of-nine Grand Final, where the 2026 Esports World Cup champion will be crowned.
Who are the favourites to win Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 at Esports World Cup 2026?
OLI SCARFF
OpTic Gaming return as defending Esports World Cup champions after lifting the inaugural Call of Duty title in 2025. Led by stars Anthony "Shotzzy" Cuevas-Castro and Brandon "Dashy" Otell, the Green Wall remain one of the benchmark teams in competitive Call of Duty.
However, OpTic arrive in Paris with unfinished business after losing this year's Call of Duty League Championship to long-time rivals Atlanta FaZe. Successfully defending their Esports World Cup title would cement their status as the world's best team and hand them another major international trophy.
Standing in their way is an Atlanta FaZe side once again led by franchise icon Eric "Simp" Lehr. The organisation won the Esports World Cup title in 2024 before falling short in its title defence last year, and arrives in Paris fresh from reclaiming the Call of Duty League crown. Another showdown between FaZe and OpTic would be one of the standout moments of the tournament.
Behind the two favourites sits a deep field capable of producing surprises. Toronto Ultra remain one of the most consistent teams on the international stage, while 100 Thieves strengthened their championship ambitions by signing former FaZe star Chris "aBeZy" Rodriguez. Team Falcons also possess the firepower to challenge the established order, while several organisations enter the event full of confidence after qualifying through the Last Chance Qualifier.
With Black Ops 7 ushering in a new era for competitive Call of Duty, the tournament looks more open than ever.
How to watch Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 at Esports World Cup 2026
Fans can watch Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 at the Esports World Cup 2026 live on DAZN, with every match available throughout the tournament.
Coverage is available globally, excluding China, South Korea, the CIS region, Ukraine, Malaysia, Hungary and Finland.
To watch live, follow these steps:
- Download the DAZN app on your preferred device or visit DAZN.com.
- Sign up for a free DAZN account, or log in if you already have one.
- Search for Esports World Cup or browse the esports section.
- Select Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and start streaming live.
