Call of Duty League Heads to the U.K. for Second Major of 2026 Season

Oct 30, 2025

The Call of Duty League will return to DreamHack next year as Major II lands in Birmingham, England, marking the CDL’s first stop in the United Kingdom since 2023. Organizers announced that the event will run March 27–29, 2026, and feature a revamped competitive format aimed at raising the stakes on the road to the postseason.

The announcement follows Blizzard’s reveal of the full 2026 CDL season schedule, which includes four Majors leading into Championships later in the year. Birmingham will serve as the second stop on the calendar and one of the most accessible for European fans.

CDL Major II Announced at DreamHack Birmingham 2026

Major II will introduce a new 10-team structure designed to tighten the competitive field. According to event organizers, the streamlined format is intended to ensure higher-caliber matchups on stage and reduce early mismatches. Only 10 teams will qualify for the LAN, compared with the 12-team format used at previous Majors.

Qualifiers for the event will take place online from Feb. 13 through March 22, 2026. Those results will determine seeding for the live bracket at DreamHack Birmingham, where teams will compete across three days in front of a festival audience.

DreamHack, known for combining esports tournaments, LAN parties, and community programming, has previously partnered with the CDL to host competitive events. The league’s last appearance at DreamHack drew strong attendance and viewership, and organizers say they expect this year’s edition to build on that momentum.

Alongside the Major, the festival will host creator meet-and-greets, expo booths, and community activities that have become a hallmark of the DreamHack experience. Event staff say they aim to create an atmosphere that appeals not only to longtime CDL fans but also to casual attendees discovering the esport for the first time.

Tickets for DreamHack Birmingham, which include entry to CDL Major II, are now on sale through the event’s official website. Additional details, including the full talent lineup, on-site activities, and broadcast schedule, are expected in the coming months.