FURIA Survive Elimination at IEM Kraków 2026 with Comeback Win Over The MongolZ
FURIA Survive Elimination at IEM Kraków 2026 with Comeback Win Over The MongolZ
FURIA Esports have avoided elimination from IEM Kraków 2026 after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over The MongolZ in the Group A lower bracket. The win keeps FURIA’s tournament hopes alive after an earlier loss dropped them to the elimination side, while The MongolZ, competing with their recent roster changes, are the first team eliminated from the event.
Match Format & Importance
The encounter was part of the Group A lower bracket stage of IEM Kraków 2026 — a LAN event that pits 16 teams against each other in GSL-style groups. FURIA came into the match on the brink of a bottom-place exit, having been sent to the lower bracket following an earlier loss in the group. A loss here would have ended their run.
Both teams played a best-of-three (Bo3) series with the winner advancing to face the loser of Natus Vincere vs Team Spirit later in the event.
Map-by-Map Breakdown
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Mirage — The MongolZ win 13–11
The Mongolian side started strong on their map pick. After FURIA initially led, The MongolZ fought back and secured map one, showcasing good mid-round discipline and strong teamplay on both halves. -
Inferno — FURIA win 16–12
FURIA responded aggressively on their chosen map. A turning point came with high-impact rounds and clutch potential conversions in tightly contested situations. This map swing was crucial in keeping their series alive. -
Nuke — FURIA dominate 13–2
In the decider FURIA took control from the beginning, snowballing their momentum from the previous map. The Brazilian roster looked decisive and clinical, closing out Nuke with overwhelming CT side rounds and limiting The MongolZ to just two.
Standout Performances & Stats
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Mareks ‘YEKINDAR’ Gaļinskis delivered one of the most impactful performances of the series, leading in both kills and overall map impact. His rating on the final map peaked significantly above The MongolZ players and helped tilt the series in FURIA’s favour.
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Team Dynamics — FURIA’s tactical adjustments across maps showed improved mid-round reads and rotations compared to their earlier Group A matches.
What This Means for FURIA
This win keeps FURIA in IEM Kraków 2026 and allows them to continue competing for a spot in the playoffs. Their start to the event was rocky — including a 0-2 loss to FUT Esports earlier in the tournament — which forced them into the lower bracket earlier than expected.
After surviving this elimination match, FURIA will meet the loser of the upper bracket matchup involving Natus Vincere and Team Spirit. A positive result there could vault them back into contention for a deeper run.
The MongolZ Exit the Event
The Mongolian squad, known for its rise through international competition over recent years and lineup reshuffles, are eliminated from IEM Kraków 2026 with this defeat. Despite a strong Mirage start and moments of resistance on Inferno, they couldn’t sustain the pressure throughout the series — particularly on Nuke.
This exit concludes their Kraków campaign without advancing to playoff contention.
Context — Broader Event Progress
IEM Kraków 2026 continues with the group stage concluding soon — after which three teams from each group will qualify for the playoffs. Teams like FUT Esports, G2 Esports, Astralis, and others are also competing in Group A for those spots.
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