Soccer meets video games at Red Bull Coded Cleats in Dallas

May 1, 2026 - 22:45

A new kind of competition is coming to Dallas in June 2026, and it demands skill in two very different worlds. Red Bull Coded Cleats is a hybrid event that combines live soccer with video gaming, forcing teams to prove themselves on both the grass field and the digital screen. The event will take place in Dallas, Texas, and is set to challenge participants in a way that traditional tournaments never have.

Each team will need to field players who can handle a real ball under pressure and then switch to a controller for a virtual match. The format is designed to test adaptability, endurance, and coordination between teammates who must shift from physical movement to precise button inputs. Organizers say the goal is to blur the line between athletic competition and esports, creating a single event where both types of players can compete side by side.

While the specific venue and prize details have not been announced, the concept has already drawn interest from both soccer clubs and gaming communities. The event is expected to attract teams that specialize in one discipline, as well as those that have trained for both. For now, Dallas is set to host the debut, and organizers are planning for a full day of matches that move from the pitch to the console without a break.