Another decisive day at IEM Kraków 2026 delivered two storylines moving in opposite directions. G2 Esports booked their place in the playoffs after a controlled 2–1 victory over FUT in the Group A upper bracket semi-final, while FURIA kept their tournament hopes alive by eliminating The MongolZ in a tense lower-bracket series. For G2, it was a statement win under pressure with playoffs on the line. For FURIA, survival came through resilience and late-series dominance, while The MongolZ saw their run come to an abrupt end.
G2 vs FUT — experience prevails
Road to the matchups — pressure at both ends of the bracket
FUT entered the upper bracket semi-final on a three-match win streak, riding confidence from disciplined performances earlier in the event. Their structure and trading had been effective throughout Stage 1, but facing G2 represented a clear step up in individual quality and late-round experience.
For G2, the objective was simple: win and secure playoffs. After an inconsistent start to the season, Kraków offered a chance to stabilize their trajectory and avoid the chaos of the lower bracket. The semi-final was a direct test of composure and adaptability.
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Mirage — 13:9. FUT strike first
Mirage opened with FUT dictating the tempo. Strong early-round pressure and effective trading allowed them to punish G2’s slower setups. Despite moments of resistance, G2 struggled to control the map consistently, and FUT closed their pick 13:9 to take the series lead.
Dust2 — 13:9. G2 answer back
Dust2 marked a turning point. G2 tightened their structure, leaned into controlled mid presence, and found far more impact from their AWP and rifling core. FUT’s openings became less frequent, and their economy never fully stabilized. G2 closed Dust2 13:9, leveling the series with authority.
Ancient — 13:9. G2 close with control
On the decider, G2 never looked rattled. Strong CT-side setups and cleaner mid-round calls denied FUT space to play their usual structured defaults. While FUT remained competitive early, G2 steadily widened the gap and closed Ancient 13:9, sealing a composed 2–1 victory.
Player statistics for the match
Player of the match — Aulon “Krabeni” Fazlija
Despite FUT’s loss, Krabeni stood out across all three maps:
- 1.21 rating
- 85.4 ADR
- +1.55% swing
His consistency and ability to generate impact in difficult rounds kept FUT competitive deep into the series.
Teamplay breakdown — structure meets elite decision-making
G2 won the series through experience and discipline. Their ability to reset after losing Mirage, adjust pacing, and close late rounds proved decisive. FUT showed structure and promise, but struggled once G2 removed early-round freedom and forced uncomfortable mid-round decisions.
The MongolZ vs FURIA — survival decided late
Road to the matchup — survival versus collapse
The MongolZ entered the lower bracket under immediate elimination pressure after an uneven run through Stage 1. While their aggressive style and confidence-driven Counter-Strike had delivered strong early results in previous matches, inconsistency in late rounds remained a recurring issue. Against FURIA, converting momentum into map control was essential to keep their tournament alive.
For FURIA, the series carried significant weight. Dropping into the lower bracket early put the Brazilian side in an unfamiliar position, forcing them to rely on experience, composure, and adaptability rather than raw momentum. Survival depended on stabilizing the game and denying The MongolZ the chaos they thrive in.
Mirage — 13:11. The MongolZ strike first
Mirage opened with The MongolZ playing to their strengths. Fast-paced mid control and confident duels allowed them to dictate the early flow, catching FURIA off guard in several key rounds. While FURIA found moments of resistance, they struggled to contain repeated bursts of aggression. Despite a late push from the Brazilian side, The MongolZ held on to close Mirage 13:11, taking an early lead and putting FURIA on the brink.
Inferno — 16:12. FURIA stabilize in overtime
Inferno marked a shift in the series. FURIA slowed the tempo, improved their utility usage, and began winning crucial mid-round situations. The MongolZ remained dangerous, repeatedly forcing close rounds and pushing the map into overtime. In extra rounds, FURIA’s experience showed. Cleaner executions and better trading allowed them to edge out Inferno 16:12, equalizing the series and swinging momentum decisively.
Nuke — 13:2. FURIA close with authority
The decider was one-sided. FURIA dominated Nuke from the opening rounds, shutting down The MongolZ’s aggression and controlling rotations with ease. Early economic damage snowballed quickly, leaving The MongolZ without space to recover. FURIA closed Nuke 13:2 in commanding fashion, completing the comeback and eliminating The MongolZ from IEM Kraków 2026.
Player statistics for the match
Player of the match — Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis
YEKINDAR was the driving force behind FURIA’s survival:
- 1.39 rating
- 96.5 ADR
- 74.6% KAST
- +2.98% swing
His relentless pressure and impact entries consistently broke The MongolZ’s defensive structure, particularly on Inferno and Nuke.
Teamplay breakdown — experience over explosiveness
FURIA won the series by regaining control. Once the pace slowed and rounds extended, their structure, trading, and decision-making proved superior. They punished overextensions and capitalized on late-round mistakes. The MongolZ, meanwhile, struggled once early momentum faded. Individual moments remained, but without sustained map control or economic stability, their aggressive style lost effectiveness over the course of the series.
VRS impact
- G2: +53 VRS points — moving up and locking in a playoff position
- FUT: −10 points — a setback, but still alive via the lower bracket
- FURIA: +25 points — a valuable boost that stabilizes their ranking
- The MongolZ: −6 points — a modest drop following elimination
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Tournament implications
G2 advance directly to the playoffs, gaining breathing room and confidence after a high-pressure series. FUT drop to the lower bracket, where their structured approach will be tested once again against elimination pressure. FURIA move on with renewed momentum, while The MongolZ exit Kraków with questions surrounding consistency and closing power at the highest level.
IEM Kraków 2026 continues to reward composure, adaptability, and late-round clarity — and the margin for error only gets smaller from here.
