Team Japan defeats Team India 13-5 to advance in ENC Asia Qualifier

Team Japan just punched their ticket to the next round of the Esports Nations Cup 2026 Asia Qualifier, dismantling Team India 13-5 in a VALORANT match that was effectively over well before the final round. The win sets up a clash with Team Hong Kong for a coveted qualification spot at the main ENC event later this year.

For India, the loss marks their elimination from the ENC 2026 qualification path entirely.

What happened in the match

The match took place as part of the online Asia Qualifier, which ran from June 27 to June 28, 2026. Japan controlled the pace throughout, converting rounds with consistent efficiency. India managed to scrape together five rounds, but never looked like mounting a comeback.

The road to Riyadh

The Esports Nations Cup is organized by the EWC Foundation in collaboration with the ESL FACEIT Group. The ENC is built around national pride rather than org-level competition, with players representing their countries across multiple game titles, VALORANT being one of them.

The main event is scheduled for November 2-8, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Japan’s next opponent, Team Hong Kong, stands between them and that opportunity. The winner of that match will secure qualification for the main event.

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