The final quarter-final of PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 saw The MongolZ defeat FURIA 2–1, overturning an early deficit to secure a semi-final spot. After a heavy loss on Mirage, the Mongolian squad responded on Dust2 and held their nerve on Nuke to close the series. For FURIA, the defeat ends a promising playoff run, while The MongolZ continue to prove their rise is no coincidence.
Road to the playoffs — how both teams arrived here
FURIA’s path to the quarter-final:
- 2–0 vs B8
- 1–2 vs Falcons
- 2–1 vs FUT
- 2–1 vs PARIVISION
FURIA showed resilience throughout the Swiss stage. After falling to Falcons, they bounced back with controlled wins over FUT and PARIVISION to secure a playoff berth. The Brazilian squad looked structured and tactically flexible, with molodoy and KSCERATO stepping up in key matches. However, consistency against elite opposition remained a lingering question.
The MongolZ’s path to the quarter-final:
- 2–1 vs paiN
- 2–1 vs B8
- 1–2 vs Vitality
- 2–1 vs Natus Vincere
The MongolZ once again proved their ability to thrive under pressure. Their victory over NAVI in a decisive Swiss match showcased both firepower and mental strength. Even in defeat against Vitality, they pushed the world No.1 to competitive margins. By the time playoffs began, they were battle-tested.
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The MongolZ 2–1 FURIA
Mirage — FURIA dominance (13–3)
The series began one-sided. Mirage, picked by The MongolZ, turned into a showcase for FURIA’s defensive structure. Their CT setups suffocated mid control, denying space to 910 and mzinho. FURIA stormed to a 13–3 victory, winning early duels and controlling the economy throughout. At this stage, it looked like the Brazilians were in full control of the series. Momentum strongly favored FURIA.
Dust2 — MongolZ respond (13–10)
Dust2 shifted the tone completely. The MongolZ adjusted their pacing, allowing 910 and cobrazera to dictate the tempo in mid-round fights. Their T-side found consistent openings, while blitz provided stable anchoring on defense.
FURIA struggled to convert late-round advantages, and small economic missteps proved costly. The MongolZ closed Dust2 13–10, leveling the series and restoring belief. The match was now a pure mental battle.
Nuke — composure under pressure (13–10)
The decider delivered tension from start to finish. FURIA attempted to control the pace with slower defaults, but The MongolZ showed remarkable composure in high-pressure retakes. Cobrazera emerged as the defining figure of the map. Supported by 910 (1.29 rating) and mzinho (1.26 rating), The MongolZ consistently found impact frags when it mattered most. FURIA kept the score competitive at 10 rounds, but crucial late-round trades and cleaner post-plant executions allowed The MongolZ to seal Nuke 13–10 and the series 2–1.
Match statistics
Player of the Match — Anarbilge “cobrazera” Uuganbayar
Across three maps:
- 48–35 K-D
- +3.53% swing
- 83.5 ADR
- 77.4% KAST
- 1.34 rating
Beyond the numbers, cobrazera delivered decisive impact in the highest-pressure rounds, particularly on Dust2 and Nuke, where his mid-round entries and clutch timing shifted the momentum in The MongolZ’s favor.
Tactical contrast — adaptation vs control
FURIA started stronger structurally, particularly on Mirage, but struggled to adapt once the momentum shifted. Their individuals — yuurih and KSCERATO — remained competitive, yet the team lacked consistency in closing tight rounds on the final two maps.
The MongolZ, on the other hand, displayed adaptability. After a 3–13 loss, they did not collapse. Instead, they adjusted their spacing, refined their utility usage, and leaned into their mechanical strengths. In playoff Counter-Strike, resilience often outweighs momentum.
VRS impact
- FURIA: −25 points (1972 → 1947)
- The MongolZ: +56 points (1624 → 1680)
The MongolZ make a significant leap in the rankings, consolidating their position inside the top 10, while FURIA lose valuable ground.
What’s next?
The MongolZ advance to the semi-finals of PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026, reinforcing their status as one of the most dangerous rising forces in CS2. Their ability to recover from a heavy map loss speaks volumes about their maturity.
FURIA exit in the quarter-finals after a series that slipped from their grasp. They showed flashes of elite structure, but in decisive moments, The MongolZ were sharper. In Cluj, belief and adaptation proved stronger than early dominance.
