FUT delivered one of the biggest surprises of the opening day at IEM Kraków 2026, sweeping FURIA 2–0 in the Group A upper bracket quarter-final on LAN. The European side controlled both maps with confidence, shutting down FURIA’s star power and denying the world No.2 team any chance to settle into the series.т For FUT, the win marked a statement performance against elite opposition. For FURIA, it was a shocking early stumble that immediately raises questions about form and adaptation at the start of the event.
Road to the matchup — expectation versus ambition
FURIA entered Kraków as one of the tournament favorites, backed by consistent results and a roster stacked with firepower. Expectations were clear: a deep run and a comfortable start in the group stage. However, recent volatility in high-pressure matches hinted that early dominance could not be taken for granted.
FUT approached the series with little external pressure but clear internal confidence. Their recent form showed a team willing to play assertively on LAN, relying on pace, sharp trading, and disciplined mid-round calls. Against FURIA, they embraced the underdog role and played without hesitation.
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Mirage — 13:11. FUT strike first
Mirage opened as a tightly contested map, with FUT setting the tempo early through aggressive mid control and fast rotations. FURIA found moments of resistance, but their trademark explosive entries failed to translate into sustained round wins.
As the map progressed, FUT’s composure became decisive. Strong utility usage and calm post-plant situations allowed them to edge out key rounds and close Mirage 13:11, immediately flipping expectations for the series.
Dust2 — 13:6. Control turns into dominance
Dust2, FURIA’s pick, proved even more concerning for the Brazilian side. FUT dominated early engagements, repeatedly denying long control and punishing isolated duels. FURIA struggled to stabilize their economy and never found rhythm on the T side. With momentum fully on their side, FUT closed Dust2 13:6 in convincing fashion, completing a clean sweep without allowing FURIA back into contention.
Player statistics for the match
Player of the match — Aulon “Krabeni” Fazlija
Krabeni delivered a composed and impactful series performance:
- 1.20 rating
- 83.6 ADR
- 74.4% KAST
- +2.46% swing
His consistency across both maps provided the backbone for FUT’s structured approach and ensured they never lost control of key rounds.
Teamplay breakdown — discipline over reputation
FUT won the series through structure and confidence. Their spacing was disciplined, communication sharp, and mid-round decisions decisive. Rather than being intimidated by FURIA’s reputation, they dictated the pace and punished every misstep. FURIA, by contrast, struggled once early aggression was neutralized. Individual moments appeared sporadically, but without coordinated pressure or economic stability, they were unable to challenge FUT over a full map.
VRS impact
- FUT: +65 points — a massive boost following a win over a top-ranked opponent
- FURIA: −26 points — a painful early hit despite entering as the world No.2 team
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Tournament implications
With this victory, FUT advance deeper into the Group A upper bracket at IEM Kraków 2026, immediately positioning themselves as a dangerous contender capable of upsetting elite teams on LAN. For FURIA, the loss sends them into the lower bracket far earlier than expected. Adjustments will be required quickly, as another slip could end their tournament run prematurely. FUT move forward — fearless, composed, and no longer flying under the radar in Kraków.
