The Call of Duty League (CDL) is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season with thrilling updates on event locations and format changes. Fans across the globe can expect a series of electrifying tournaments and engaging gameplay as the league unfolds its latest plans.
Call of Duty League 2026 Locations
With the action kicking off in Dallas, Texas, from January 29th to February 1st, OpTic Texas will host the opening Major of the season. The league makes a much-anticipated return to the UK for the first time in five years, joining DreamHack Birmingham from March 27th to 29th. Atlanta, Georgia, will stage Major three, featuring a Pro-Am event where Challengers teams face off against 12 CDL franchises, with exact dates to be announced. Heading back to Europe, Paris, France, will host the final Major of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 season from June 25th to 28th. The season will culminate with the sixth edition of the CDL Championship Weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada, from July 16th to 19th, hosted by the newly rebranded FaZe Vegas. Additionally, Black Ops 7 will be showcased at the Esports World Cup 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
CDL 2026 Format Changes
The CDL is introducing significant changes to its format for 2026. Most notably, the game mode “Control” is being replaced by “Overload,” an exciting new objective mode accompanying Hardpoint and Search and Destroy. Online qualifiers will dictate seeding for LAN events, with Major 1 spanning five weeks, Major 2 six weeks, and the final two Majors three weeks each. For the first time, Major 2 will implement a round-robin qualifying tournament, with the top ten teams moving forward to Birmingham. The Pro Am Classic returns at Major 3, with qualifications available to top Challengers teams from various regional competitions.
CDL Challengers In 2026
The CDL Challengers circuit is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul in 2026. Each Major will feature an Open LAN event, complemented by four Elite seasons tailored for each region. The Middle East will join forces with Europe in the Challengers circuit, providing a competitive platform for players from the region. The competitive action kicks off with the first online Challengers Cup on December 12th, offering amateur teams their first opportunity to shine on the official stage.