Source: Esports Foundation

- 32 teams from around the world to compete in the LoL Finals for national pride and the ENC gold medal

- Rosters for 16 nations directly invited to the finals based on official 'ENC 2026 Rankings' unveiled

The Esports Foundation (EF) announced the official player rosters and the list of nations directly invited to the League of Legends tournament at the 'Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC 2026),' which will be held for the first time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this November.

A total of 112 rosters representing different nations and regions were submitted for the ENC 2026 League of Legends event. Of these, 32 teams will advance to the 'ENC Finals,' with 16 nations and regions securing direct invitations based on the official 'ENC 2026 Rankings.' This ranking system is based on the cumulative performance of players listed on rosters in all official Riot Games tournaments held through June 14, 2026.

South Korea, a powerhouse in League of Legends, was invited as a top seed. The six selected players hold a combined 16 World Championship titles, with Lee 'Faker' Sang-hyeok, widely considered the greatest player of all time, accounting for six of those wins. The Korean national team includes 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyeok, his T1 teammate and EWC 2024 champion 'Keria' Ryu Min-seok, EWC 2025 winner and Gen.G jungler 'Canyon' Kim Geon-bu, as well as Hanwha Life Esports' 'Zeus' Choi Woo-je, 'Gumayusi' Lee Min-hyeong, and 'Zeka' Kim Geon-woo.

China is another top contender for the title. The Chinese national team includes three World Championship winners: 'Tian,' 'Jackylove,' and 'Flandre.' They are joined by the core trio from Bilibili Gaming (BLG)—'Bin,' 'Knight,' and 'On'—who recently secured three consecutive LPL titles and a victory at 'First Stand 2026,' forming a formidable lineup.

Challenges from other regions looking to cause an upset on the global stage are also significant. Representing the United States is an LCS superteam featuring LCS Spring champion 'Dhokla' from LYON, Cloud9's 'Blaber' and 'APA,' Team Liquid's standout bot laner 'Yeon,' and veteran Sentinels supporter 'Huhi,' who is preparing for EWC 2026.

Europe also boasts a national lineup packed with LEC stars. Denmark aims to make a splash with iconic players like 'Caps' and 'Wunder,' while Turkey is led by G2 Esports' 'Broken Blade,' and the Spanish roster features MKOI star player 'Elyoya.' France is a team to watch; ranked third in the ENC rankings, they possess a deep roster including G2 Esports' 'Hans Sama' and 'Mikyx,' as well as 'Caliste,' who is considered one of Europe's top rising stars.

With seed rankings finalized and invitations sent, online regional qualifiers held from June 19 to 21 determined the remaining 14 teams for the finals, with two teams advancing from each of the seven regions: Asia, North America, South America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia & Oceania, and the Middle East & Africa.