Esports
FC Pro World Championship at Esports World Cup: Everything you need to know
Watch the Esports World Cup for free on DAZN
The world's best EA SPORTS FC 26 players have arrived in Paris for the FC Pro World Championship at the 2026 Esports World Cup.
Across five days, 36 competitors will battle for a share of the $1,500,000 prize pool, valuable Club Championship points and the chance to lift one of the biggest trophies in competitive EA SPORTS FC.
From the tournament format and schedule to the players expected to challenge for the title, here's everything you need to know about the FC Pro World Championship.
What is the FC Pro World Championship?
The FC Pro World Championship is the pinnacle of competitive EA SPORTS FC, bringing together the world's best players to determine the game's undisputed champion.
As one of the headline events at the 2026 Esports World Cup, the competition also carries huge significance in the Club Championship, with organisations battling for crucial points towards the overall EWC title.
With a world-class field, a substantial prize pool and one of esports' most prestigious trophies on the line, the tournament promises five days of elite virtual football.
When is the FC Pro World Championship?
The FC Pro World Championship takes place from July 22 to July 26 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
The tournament is split into two stages:
- League Stage: July 22-24
- Playoffs: July 25-26
The champion will be crowned on Saturday, July 26.
How does the FC Pro World Championship work?
The tournament begins with a 36-player League Stage.
Each competitor plays six matches against six different opponents, with three points awarded for a victory, one for a draw and none for a defeat.
Once all league fixtures have been completed, the top 24 players advance to the Playoffs.
The top eight automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the players ranked ninth to 24th must first battle through the Knockout Stage in a single-elimination bracket. From there, every match is win-or-go-home as the field is reduced until only one player remains.
Who are the favourites?
Manuel "ManuBachoore" Bachoore arrives in Paris as the defending Esports World Cup champion and once again looks like the man to beat.
The Team Liquid star became the first player to win two EA SPORTS FC World Championship titles with his triumph at EWC 25, cementing his place among the greatest competitors in the game's history.
Now, he returns with the opportunity to retain his title and further strengthen his legacy.
When looking at the players capable ot taking his crown, few players possess a stronger competitive pedigree than Anders Vejrgang.
Representing Team Falcons, the Danish superstar entered last year's Esports World Cup as one of the leading favourites but suffered a shock early elimination before reaching the Knockout Stage.
After an offseason move to Falcons and another year of experience, Vejrgang returns determined to erase that disappointment and prove why he remains one of the world's elite EA SPORTS FC players.
If you're looking for a capable dark horse capable of taking home the newly named Diogo Jota FC Pro World Championship Trophy, Francesco "Obrun2002" Tagliafierro has taken the hardest route to the FC Pro World Championship.
After reaching the quarter-finals of last year's event, the Italian narrowly missed direct qualification and was forced to fight through both the Last Chance Qualifier and Play-Ins to secure his place in Paris.
His journey has made him one of the tournament's most battle-tested competitors, while also giving him the chance to claim the prestigious Jaffonso Award, presented to players who win an Esports World Cup title after qualifying through the Last Chance Qualifier.
How to watch the FC Pro World Championship on DAZN
Fans can watch the Esports World Cup 2026 live and for free on DAZN throughout the seven-week competition.
This is available on the DAZN app across a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles, or watch through any web browser at DAZN.com.
Coverage is available globally, excluding China, South Korea, the CIS region, Ukraine, Malaysia, Hungary and Finland. Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 are also unavailable in Peru.
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 the tournament you want to watch and start streaming live.
