FUT secured a convincing 2–0 victory over Team Liquid in the lower bracket round 2 at IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1, eliminating the North American side from the tournament. The European roster controlled both maps from the outset, denying Liquid any sustained momentum and closing the series with composure. For FUT, the win reaffirmed their growing LAN confidence and discipline under pressure. For Liquid, it marked another early exit defined by muted impact and structural issues when it mattered most.
Road to the matchup — confidence versus collapse
Liquid entered the lower bracket with limited margin for error after an uneven start to Stage 1. While individual talent remained evident on paper, the team continued to struggle with cohesion, mid-round clarity, and consistency on LAN. Against FUT, they needed a controlled, assertive performance to stay alive.
FUT approached the matchup with a clear identity. The team leaned into structure, disciplined trading, and confident calling — traits that have increasingly defined their success in elimination scenarios. This series offered a chance to convert preparation into a clean result.
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Ancient — 13:4. FUT in full control
Ancient, FUT’s pick, quickly tilted in their favor. FUT’s CT side set the tone early, repeatedly shutting down Liquid’s attempts to gain map control. Utility usage and rotations were sharp, leaving Liquid struggling to find opening duels or economic stability. After switching sides, FUT showed no hesitation. Clean executes and efficient post-plant setups allowed them to close the map 13:4 with minimal resistance.
Nuke — 13:9. Liquid fall short again
Nuke offered Liquid a brief window to respond, but the pattern remained familiar. While the first half stayed competitive, FUT consistently won the critical rounds that prevented Liquid from building momentum. On the T side, FUT maintained structure and patience, punishing overextensions and converting advantages calmly. Liquid’s resistance faded in the closing stages as FUT sealed Nuke 13:9 to complete the sweep.
Player statistics for the match
Player of the match — Aulon “Krabeni” Fazlija
Krabeni delivered a composed and efficient performance across both maps:
- 1.17 rating
- 78.9 ADR
- 74.4% KAST
- +0.49% swing
His reliability in both opening and late-round situations provided FUT with the stability needed to close the series without unnecessary risks.
Teamplay breakdown — structure beats firepower
FUT won the series through discipline and clarity. Their setups were consistent, communication clean, and decision-making measured. Rather than forcing plays, they capitalized on Liquid’s mistakes and controlled the tempo throughout both maps. Liquid, in contrast, once again struggled to translate individual skill into collective impact. Without sustained pressure or mid-round solutions, their chances gradually slipped away.
VRS impact
- FUT: +32 points — a meaningful boost that strengthens their position in the rankings
- Liquid: −20 points — a damaging drop following another early-stage elimination
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Tournament implications
With this win, FUT remain alive at IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 and push deeper into the lower bracket, keeping their path to Stage 2 intact. For Liquid, the tournament ends with more questions than answers. Despite flashes of individual quality, the lack of cohesion and consistency proved decisive once again. FUT move on — composed, structured, and firmly in control of their fate in Kraków.
