IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 Day 3 Matchups Set — Final Spots in Stage 2 on the Line

IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 Day 3 Matchups Set — Final Spots in Stage 2 on the Line

The final day of Stage 1 at Intel Extreme Masters Kraków 2026 has been revealed, with six decisive matchups scheduled for January 30 as teams fight for the last qualifying berths into Stage 2 of the prestigious CS2 event.

Stage 1 at IEM Kraków 2026 features 16 teams competing in a double-elimination bracket, with the top eight advancing to Stage 2. This opening phase runs from January 28–30, after which the competition continues into Group Stage and eventually the playoffs later in February.

Upper Bracket Finale

• Astralis vs NRG — The day begins with the final upper-bracket clash. The winner secures a direct spot into Stage 2, while the loser will drop into a lower-bracket decider later in the day.

Lower Bracket Matches & Elimination Fights

• GamerLegion vs HEROIC — A pivotal lower-bracket matchup where both sides are desperate to stay alive in the event.

• BC.Game vs Ninjas in Pyjamas — After a high-pressure Stage 1 run, s1mple and BC.Game take on NiP for one of the last Stage 2 spots.

• paiN vs Aurora — Aurora, who endured a tough start to the year, faces paiN with survival in Stage 1 at stake.

• FUT vs Liquid — FUT aims to extend an underdog run against Liquid; this winner advances while the loser is eliminated.

Upper/Lower Bracket Crossover Match

• The loser of Astralis vs NRG will meet the winner of GamerLegion vs HEROIC later on Day 3 in the final elimination showdown. The victor-of-that match earns the last remaining Stage 2 qualification.

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Context & Storylines

• PARIVISION have already punched their ticket into Stage 2 with a win over Aurora earlier in the event, highlighting how competitive this Stage 1 field is.

• Around the competition, recent results include G2 advancing past Liquid in the upper bracket, forcing Liquid into the lower bracket elimination matches.

• Stage 1 is part of the larger IEM Kraków 2026 event — one of the early premier tournaments of the CS2 season — with a double-elimination structure shaping its early rounds before the main Groups and Playoffs.