The world of streaming, digital entertainment and the king of sports collides again with unstoppable force. What many considered an ambitious experiment in its debut has transformed into one of the most powerful industries in today's media ecosystem. After months of intense rumours and behind-the-scenes negotiations, it's now official: the Influencers World Cup (IWC), the global championship organised by the AICCF (International Association of Football Content Creators), returns for its 2026 edition and the chosen destination is, again, the vibrant city of Johor, in Malaysia.
With the overwhelming success of 2025 still fresh in collective memory — an edition that broke every engagement and audience record on platforms like Kick, Twitch, YouTube and TikTok —, this tournament consolidates itself as the definitive event of digital culture. From 9 to 17 November, the impressive Johor stadium will be the battlefield where the best creators on the planet play for eternal glory.
Johor: The epicentre of global entertainment
The choice of Malaysia, and specifically the Johor region, is no coincidence. Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the most passionate markets for creators' football, and Malay hospitality guaranteed in the previous edition an atmosphere that has nothing to envy a FIFA World Cup. The Johor stadium, an architectural jewel with capacity to host tens of thousands of souls, will again be the world capital of content.
Millions of fans are expected to enjoy the event from every corner of the globe — from the streets of Buenos Aires to the neighbourhoods of Paris and Madrid — to watch their idols swap the streaming set and neon lights for football boots and the sweat of the pitch. The IWC 2026 isn't just a tournament; it's a convention of global communities united by a ball.
A historic expansion: The jump to 12 national teams
The big news that has shaken sports newsrooms this year is the exponential growth of the competition bracket. If in 2025 eight pioneering nations laid the foundations of this dream, this year the organisation has decided to raise the stakes: the bracket expands to 12 participating national teams.
This increase doesn't only mean more matches and more spectacle, but a drastic rise in the level of physical and tactical demand. The eight national teams that gave life to the inaugural event and have unfinished business are already confirmed:
France: The reigning champion. The Gallic block showed in 2025 military discipline and a devastating punch. They will defend the throne with the same intensity that gave them the crown.
Chile: The great runner-up. The Andean team came just short of glory in an agonising final and travel to Johor with a single word in mind: revenge.
Spain: Our national team. After a brilliant role that won over the audience, the goal this year is nothing other than the definitive assault on the podium.
England: The inventors of football content. They arrive in Johor with a roster of athletes and the pressure to bring the trophy back to the islands. Their style is pure physical deployment and effectiveness.
Argentina: Passion and competitive gene in their pure state. The Albiceleste doesn't understand friendlies; they travel to Malaysia with the loudest community in the world and the goal of reigning in the chaos.
Mexico: The audience giant. With a fan base that paralyses the internet in every match, the "Tri" is looking to transform its dominance on the networks into absolute dominance on the pitch.
Colombia: Talent, joy and devilish speed. The coffee selection is the rival nobody wants in knockouts; if they can impose their rhythm, they're capable of dancing past any favourite.
Malaysia: The hosts. With the roar of Johor in their favour, the home team has professionalised its preparation to show they aren't only here to organise, but to win.
The big mystery: The 4 new countries that will join the event. The organisation keeps the names under strict secrecy, but speculation on the networks points to powerhouses in East Asia and Central Europe, or to opening up to new regions like Africa or North America, to fully change the tournament's balance of power. Will we see an Italy thirsty for football? A technically impeccable Japan? The answer will arrive in the coming weeks.
The new SEC: DoctorePollo's "Dream Team"
If last year Spain already banged on the table by reaching a deserved semi-final, this 2026 the Spanish Creators National Team (SEC) isn't travelling to Johor to participate; it's travelling to reign. Under the strategic direction of DoctorePollo, who has proven to be an impeccable dressing-room manager and a top-level motivator, the squad has been reinforced with names that have paralysed social media when announced.
Robert PG: The dream signing
The definitive incorporation of Robert PG is, without a doubt, the move of the year. Robert won't bring goals as he'll act as coach, but he'll bring all his charisma; he carries with him a competitive experience in high-pressure football events that very few creators have in the world. His reading of the game and his ability to show up in the key moments make him the spearhead of a project designed to win.
The Buyer brothers: Competitive DNA
Javi and Eric Buyer need no introduction. After years leading successful projects and showing untamed passion in the Kings League, the Buyers bring the SEC the pure competitive gene. Their grit on the pitch, their knowledge of associative play and their ability to manage the tension of the final minutes are key pieces in DoctorePollo's scheme. With them on the field, the SEC gains an indomitable character.
Javi Bridge: The Orbit's engine
One of the most beloved and respected figures on FansOrbit, Javi Bridge, officially joins the Malaysian expedition. Javi brings vital balance: his privileged tactical vision and his physical work rate make him the engine the SEC needs in midfield to connect defence with attack. His presence ensures the team doesn't break and that the rhythm of the match always passes through Spanish boots.
💡 Live the Malaysia World Cup with a PS5 from FansOrbit
On FansOrbit, the passion for the SEC runs through our veins. We understand that for our followers, this World Cup is much more than a tournament; it's the event that defines the year. That's why we want the adrenaline of Johor not to stay only on your device screens, but to reach your own living rooms.
Can you imagine recreating Temo's impossible goals, Robert PG's strategic plays or the Numantian defences of Sxgarra and Santy Elías in your own setup? For you to live the IWC 2026 with the highest technology and realism, we are launching a massive giveaway of several PlayStation 5 consoles completely free for our community.
Taking part is easier than scoring a penalty at an empty net:
Access FansOrbit: Enter the platform and visit your favourite creator's page (such as Javi Bridge, Sxgarra or Temo himself).
The penalty challenge: On each of their profiles you'll see an interactive virtual penalty-shooting mini-game. It's fast, fun and addictive.
Win your PS5: Show your aim under the virtual posts and you'll go straight into the console giveaway.
Zero cost: As always, taking part is 100% free. It's our way of rewarding the loyalty of the community that unconditionally supports the Spanish creators.
Conclusion: The Johor dream has already begun
Don't wait for November to feel the World Cup emotion. The planning, the training and the SEC's narrative are already underway. With DoctorePollo's leadership and a squad that mixes seniority with media explosiveness to perfection, Spain has before it the historic chance to be crowned in Malaysia.
The countdown to Johor has started. Get your flag ready, set up your connection and, above all, take part in our giveaways to watch the World Cup from your new PS5 on any of the platforms broadcasting the event. The Influencers World Cup 2026 title has a destination, and we're going to fight for it to be Spain. See you in Malaysia!