Matchups and Format for IEM Krakow 2026 Revealed

The opening matchups for IEM Krakow 2026 have been announced — one of the most prestigious tournaments on the CS2 competitive calendar. The organizers have revealed not only the Play-In schedule, but also the preliminary Group Stage bracket, where the world’s top teams will enter the competition.

Play-In/ Stage 1 (January 28–30)

The opening stage of the tournament will be played in a Double-Elimination format, with all matches being Bo3. The top eight teams from the Play-In will advance to the Group Stage.

Opening matchups:

• Aurora Gaming vs GamerLegion
• Heroic vs PARIVISION
• Team Liquid vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
• Passion UA vs G2 Esports
• Legacy vs BC.Game
• FUT vs 3DMAX
• Astralis vs paiN Gaming
• NRG vs B8

Group Stage (January 31 – February 3)

The Group Stage will consist of two groups of eight teams, played in a Double-Elimination (GSL) format. All matches will be Bo3.

The top three teams from each group advance to the Playoffs:

• Group winners advance directly to the Semifinals
• Second-place teams advance to the Quarterfinals as High Seeds
• Third-place teams advance to the Quarterfinals as Low Seeds

Upper Bracket — Group A

• FURIA vs Stage 1 #8
• The MongolZ vs Stage 1 #5
• Natus Vincere vs Stage 1 #6
• Spirit vs Stage 1 #7

Upper Bracket — Group B

• Vitality vs Stage 1 #8
• FaZe Clan vs Stage 1 #5
• MOUZ vs Stage 1 #6
• Falcons vs Stage 1 #7

Playoffs

• Single-Elimination bracket
• All matches except the Grand Final are Bo3
• Grand Final — Bo5

IEM Krakow 2026 will take place from January 28 to February 8 in Krakow, Poland. The tournament features a $1,000,000 prize pool, with $400,000 awarded to the champions. Additionally, IEM Krakow 2026 is part of the ESL Grand Slam circuit.