The match between FURIA and NAVI as part of IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 2 promises to be one of the most exciting clashes of this stage. Both teams are well familiar with each other, share a rich history of head-to-head encounters, and have repeatedly faced off at decisive stages of major tournaments. Despite their big names, the teams come into this match in very different form, which adds extra intrigue and makes this showdown especially important in terms of tournament prospects.
How Bookmakers See It: FURIA Are the Favorites
Bookmakers are leaning toward FURIA, considering the Brazilian squad the favorite in this matchup. The average odds for a FURIA victory stand at 1.69, reflecting their stronger current form and more consistent results over recent months.
A NAVI win is priced more cautiously, with average odds of 2.06. This suggests that NAVI are viewed as underdogs, despite their recent head-to-head victory over FURIA. The main concerns revolve around their inconsistent results and underwhelming performances at recent tournaments. Overall, the betting line looks fairly logical: FURIA hold favorite status, but the odds gap is not overwhelming, leaving NAVI with real upset potential if they deliver a strong performance and secure the right map pool.
Current Form of FURIA: What to Expect from FURIA
FURIA approach this match in very solid form. Over the past three months, the Brazilian team have played 48 maps and won 34 of them — a statistic that highlights their stability and confidence. Over the last month, FURIA competed in BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1, where they finished in 3rd–4th place, once again proving they can compete with top-tier opposition.
- FURIA lineup: yuurih, KSCERATO, FalleN, molodoy, YEKINDAR
In their last five matches, FURIA secured three victories against The MongolZ, HEROIC, and FUT. However, losses to PARIVISION and FUT showed that the team can occasionally lose focus, especially in longer series.
Current Form of NAVI: What to Expect from NAVI
NAVI are currently in a less convincing state. Over the last three months, the team have played 31 maps, winning only 16 of them — a record well below the usual standards expected from a team of this caliber. Their run at BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 ended in a disappointing 17th–32nd place finish, which came as a major letdown for both fans and analysts.
- NAVI lineup: b1t, Aleksib, iM, w0nderful, makazze
In their last five matches, NAVI managed just two wins — against PARIVISION and FURIA. Losses to Spirit, Monte, and FaZe highlight ongoing issues with consistency and adaptation to aggressive opponents.
FURIA Map Pool
FURIA’s first ban is very likely to be Ancient, a map they consistently remove at the start of best-of-three series. From the remaining pool, FURIA are most likely to pick Inferno — one of their most frequently chosen maps, boasting a win rate of around 70%. In the second ban phase, the Brazilians may opt to remove Nuke, aiming to deny NAVI a comfortable map for controlling the pace of the game.
NAVI Map Pool
NAVI, in turn, are almost guaranteed to ban Overpass, the map they remove most often. Their map pick is expected to be Mirage, given their solid win rate and FURIA’s relative struggles on that map. Afterward, the Ukrainian side could ban Anubis, leaving a potential decider — most likely Dust2 — where both teams have average but fairly even results.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, FURIA and NAVI have faced each other twice, with both series being extremely competitive. In the final of Thunderpick World Championship 2025, FURIA claimed a 3–2 victory, showcasing superior endurance in a long series.
However, in the playoffs of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, NAVI came out on top with a 2–1 win (Mirage 13:5, Inferno 13:16, Train 13:3). That match demonstrated that NAVI can challenge FURIA effectively with a strong start and the right map pool.
Match Prediction: FURIA vs NAVI — IEM Krakow 2026
The clash at IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 2 is expected to be close and highly competitive. FURIA enter the match in better overall form and look more stable over a longer distance, as confirmed by both recent statistics and strong results at top events. NAVI, meanwhile, still have the potential to fight back thanks to individual skill and smart map choices, but their inconsistency could prove decisive.
The betting odds further underline FURIA’s favorite status: 1.69 for a FURIA win versus 2.06 for NAVI. This points to a Brazilian advantage, while still leaving room for an upset.
On the individual level, FURIA’s key player at this tournament could be YEKINDAR, who is posting an impressive 1.26 rating. For NAVI, b1t has been the most consistent performer with a 1.16 rating, but that alone may not be enough without stronger overall team support.
Taking form, map pool, and individual performances into account, the most likely scenario is a full three-map series.
Prediction: FURIA to win 2–1.
