The future of football esports is not just coming. It is already here. FIFA has officially announced the return of the FIFAe Finals for both 2025 and 2026, and this time, the competition is leveling up in a way that could redefine the global sports gaming scene. With Rocket League and eFootball now forming core parts of the tournament lineup, FIFA is making it clear that accessibility, diversity, and scale are the new pillars of football gaming.
Set to take place from December 10 to 19, the FIFAe Finals 2025 will once again be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, continuing the successful partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation. This collaboration is no ordinary sponsorship deal. It is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to create nearly 39,000 gaming jobs and contribute over 13 billion dollars to the national GDP. With gaming adoption in the Kingdom reaching 67 percent of the population, it is not just an esporting event it is a cultural revolution.
The Finals will feature three unique tournaments under FIFA's banner: the FIFAe World Cup powered by Rocket League with 16 national teams, an eFootball Console Championship with 12 teams, and an eFootball Mobile showdown featuring another 12. For the first time ever, these events will use an open qualification format rather than invite-only slots. This decision is more than symbolic. It opens doors for more nations, more players, and more stories to unfold on the global stage. Member Associations will be allowed to scout talent through domestic trials, bootcamps, or national nomination programs.
This structural change is a game-changer. In the past, entry to high-profile esports events like these felt locked behind walls of exclusivity. Now, aspiring players from smaller regions or lesser-known teams have a chance to rise. That commitment to inclusivity was echoed by Christian Volk, FIFA’s Director of eFootball & Gaming, who emphasized the move toward making football esports more accessible for players from all backgrounds. Bringing in popular free-to-play titles like Rocket League and Konami’s eFootball aligns with that vision perfectly.
The FIFAe Finals are not just expanding. They are already dominating. Last year’s edition broke records for viewership in the sports simulation genre and even won the Best Gaming and Esports Experience at the 2025 Hashtag Sports Awards. With Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Malaysia claiming the top spots in their respective categories in 2024, the stage is set for even fiercer competition this time around.
FIFA’s continued partnership with Konami is locked in until 2026, ensuring that both console and mobile eFootball fans can look forward to long-term support and structured competition. By embracing different platforms and genres under the football esports umbrella, FIFA is not only preserving tradition but also embracing innovation.
The upcoming two-season confirmation gives players and federations the time and clarity they need to prepare, invest, and grow. For fans, it guarantees two more years of high-stakes international competition filled with rivalries, underdog stories, and jaw-dropping goals both on virtual pitches and futuristic arenas.
Whether you are a Rocket League freestyler, an eFootball tactician, or a new fan watching the rise of national squads, FIFAe Finals 2025 and 2026 are poised to be the biggest and most inclusive football gaming events yet.
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