ESL unveils opening matchups for IEM Cologne Major Stage 1

With just under two weeks before IEM Cologne 2026 begins, ESL has announced the opening matchups for Stage 1 of the Major. This is the first time since 2016 that the legendary event has held major status, and it all starts here. Stage 1 contains 16 teams from all five major regions competing for one of eight spots available in Stage 2.

As has been the case for several majors now, Stage 1 will use a Swiss system, where teams compete until they have either three wins or three losses. Series that can qualify or eliminate teams are bo3, all others are bo1. This phase of the major will run from June 2nd to June 5th.

Based on their performances so far this year, all North American representation at the major will begin at this stage. The three teams with NA players are M80, NRG, and Liquid, seeded at 6, 9, and 13 respectively by their April VRS.

The opening matches of Stage 1 of the IEM Cologne Major are:

GamerLegion vs NRG
B8 vs TYLOO
HEROIC vs Sharks
BetBoom vs Gaimin Gladiators
BIG vs Liquid
M80 vs Lynn Vision
MIBR vs THUNDER dOWNUNDER
SINNERS vs FlyQuest