FaZe Clan to Miss IEM Cologne 2026 Major as Twistzz Admits: “We Don’t Deserve It”

FaZe Clan are on the brink of missing the IEM Cologne 2026 Major, marking a historic collapse for one of Counter-Strike’s most consistent organizations. After their elimination from Digital Crusade DraculaN Season 6, the team has effectively lost its final шанс to qualify through the Valve Regional Standings (VRS).

This would end a streak that dates back to 2016, with FaZe having attended every Major in Counter-Strike history since entering the scene.

Twistzz: “We Don’t Deserve to Be at the Major”

Following the elimination, Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken gave a blunt and emotional reaction:

“We don’t deserve to make the Major.”

He admitted that the team has struggled with consistency throughout the entire 2026 season and acknowledged that criticism from fans is justified. Twistzz also apologized publicly, saying he had little to add after such a disappointing performance.

Decisive Loss to fnatic Ends Cologne Hopes

FaZe’s final шанс disappeared after a 0-2 defeat against fnatic in the lower bracket of DraculaN Season 6.

Anubis — 6:13

Overpass — 5:13

The loss officially knocked FaZe out of the tournament and left them without enough ranking points to qualify for Cologne.

Earlier Defeat Put FaZe on the Brink

Before facing fnatic, FaZe had already fallen into the lower bracket after a loss to Passion UA:

Anubis — 10:13

Nuke — 13:10

Dust2 — 14:16

This defeat significantly weakened their position in the Major race, leaving no room for further mistakes.

karrigan: “Our 2026 Has Been Completely Sh*t”

FaZe captain Finn “karrigan” Andersen had already warned about the team’s poor form earlier in March:

“Our 2026 has been completely sh*t… results are not acceptable.”

He emphasized that the responsibility lies with the entire team and admitted that FaZe were already struggling to secure enough matches and points for Major qualification.

Coaching Change Failed to Save the Season

In an attempt to fix their declining performance, FaZe parted ways with head coach Filip “NEO” Kubski in mid-March. Analyst Dominik “GruBy” Swiderski stepped in as a temporary replacement.

However, the roster failed to improve. At the time of the coaching change, FaZe had already posted a 3–9 match record in 2026, with repeated group-stage exits.

A Season Defined by Inconsistency

FaZe’s struggles were not limited to one tournament. Throughout 2026, the team:

Won only a handful of series

Dropped multiple key matches in VRS events

Failed to build momentum at any point in the season

Their narrow loss to Aurora earlier in March further highlighted the ongoing issues, pushing them closer to elimination from the Major race.

Cologne Major 2026: No Margin for Error

With the VRS cutoff approaching in early April, DraculaN Season 6 was one of the final opportunities for teams to secure qualification.

FaZe entered the event under pressure — and ultimately failed to deliver.

What’s Next for FaZe Clan?

Missing the IEM Cologne 2026 Major could trigger major changes within the roster. With internal issues, inconsistent performances, and growing pressure from fans, FaZe now face a crucial offseason.

Twistzz’s statement reflects a team aware of its shortcomings — but also one at a crossroads.