Today, June 18, the playoffs of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 for CS2 begin. The opening day of the playoffs will feature two matchups.
The action starts at 16:45 Kyiv time. The playoffs will open with a match between Aurora Gaming and BetBoom Team, who have not faced each other before.
Aurora Gaming entered the tournament from Stage 3. The team secured its playoff spot by defeating Monte (2:0), G2 Esports (2:0), and 9z Team (2:0). The Turkish lineup only lost to Team Spirit (1:2).
BB Team started from Stage 1 and fought their way into the playoffs. They went 3–0 in the first stage, advanced from Stage 2 with a 3–1 record, and completed Stage 3 with a 3–2 scoreline.
The second match of the day will feature 9z Team against FURIA Esports. The match is scheduled to begin at 20:00 Kyiv time.
9z Team reached the playoffs after Stage 2, which they completed with a 3–1 record, while Stage 3 ended for them at 3–2.
FURIA Esports started the tournament from Stage 3, which they completed undefeated.
The teams have faced each other four times before, but all meetings took place in 2024. Each team has two wins in head-to-head matchups.
The IEM Cologne Major 2026 runs from June 2 to June 21 in Cologne, Germany. The prize pool of the tournament is $1.25 million.
As a reminder, Luchov from 9z commented on preparation for FURIA and belief in winning the Major.
