México Quetzales – Armadillos FC Triumphs at Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football, Securing Spot at Games of the Future 2025
The final whistle at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) signaled more than just the end of a thrilling five-day tournament—it crowned México Quetzales – Armadillos FC as champions of Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football. The event, which saw 21 elite clubs from across the globe battle for a place at the upcoming Games of the Future 2025, ended with six clubs securing their spots for the December showcase.
The tournament, held from 25 to 29 July, brought together some of the world’s top phygital football athletes, ranging in age from 19 to 40, all converging in Abu Dhabi to demonstrate a blend of digital mastery and physical prowess. Now, the very best will return to the Emirate for the Games of the Future, set to take place from 18 to 23 December 2025.
In a nail-biting final, México Quetzales – Armadillos FC emerged victorious over CM Jardim. The showdown was characterized by lightning-fast digital gameplay and high-impact on-field action. After a 3-3 draw in the digital stage, the teams clashed on the pitch with México Quetzales – Armadillos FC earning a 3-1 victory, sealing the title with a total score of 6-4.
Speaking after the triumph, Rodrigo Ulibarri, player, México Quetzales – Armadillos FC, said:
“We have had a lot of pressure from day 1 and it would have been such a disappointment if we didn’t get a spot, we brought our A-game, and we know we are a fan favorite team.”
The battle for third place provided its own drama as Greni Smith dominated Zero Tenacity 6–2 in the digital round. Zero Tenacity retaliated with four goals on the field, but Greni Smith held steady, securing a 7-6 aggregate to claim third.
Nizam Omeragić, player, Greni Smith, commented:
“The team is proud. We know we still have a lot of work to do before December. Everything we’ve gone through to get here has been worth it, and we’ll be back stronger and aiming to win.”
The semifinals kept the audience on the edge of their seats:
- México Quetzales – Armadillos FC triumphed over Zero Tenacity in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 4–4 tie across both stages.
- CM Jardim booked their place in the final by defeating Greni Smith, notching a 3–1 digital win and a 2–2 field draw for a 5-3 total score.
Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, stated:
“With the conclusion of Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football, the stage is now set for the Games of the Future in Abu Dhabi in December. It is the culmination of year-long dedication from athletes from around the world and we celebrate with them in this moment and look forward to what they, and many other athletes, will achieve later in the year.”
The event was made possible by ASPIRE in collaboration with Ethara and Phygital International, the global rights holder.
As Abu Dhabi cements its status as a hub for innovation and next-generation sports, attention now shifts to December, when the Emirate welcomes the world’s best phygital athletes, who represent a thrilling intersection of technology and physical sport.
Nis Hatt further added:
“Abu Dhabi is the perfect international platform. It’s future-focused, tech-driven, and already deeply invested in both sports and cyber competitions. It has the appetite, ability and infrastructure to host entirely new sport formats and do it well.”
With anticipation mounting for the Games of the Future 2025, Abu Dhabi stands ready to once again showcase its world-class facilities and visionary spirit to a global audience.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
