The IEM Cologne Major 2026 continues today with round 4 of stage 1. The schedule features six best of three series, split evenly between 2-1 qualification matches and 1-2 elimination matches. Teams are competing to either secure a spot in stage 2 or avoid an early exit from the tournament.
Australian derby and early elimination matches
The action begins at 14:00 CEST with two elimination matches. THUNDER dOWNUNDER faces FlyQuest in an Australian derby. Both teams hold a 1-2 record, meaning the loser will be eliminated from the Major, while the winner survives to see round 5. At the same time, TYLOO takes on Sharks in another 1-2 matchup, where only one team will keep their tournament run alive.
BIG looks for stage 2 qualification on home turf
At 16:30 CEST, the focus shifts to the 2-1 bracket. BIG has the opportunity to qualify for stage 2 in front of their home crowd in Germany. They go up against GamerLegion in a series where the victor advances directly. In the other qualification match in this timeslot, MIBR plays against Lynn Vision, with the winner securing their progression to the next phase of the tournament.
North American clash and high stakes for Liquid and HEROIC
The evening matches at 19:00 CEST bring severe consequences for the teams involved. Liquid and HEROIC meet in a 1-2 elimination series. One of these organizations will leave the IEM Cologne Major today. Meanwhile, North American fans are guaranteed a team in stage 2 as M80 and NRG face each other in the 2-1 bracket. The winner of this North American matchup will secure their stage 2 spot tonight.
Make sure to check out our tournament hub for the Cologne Major, where you can get updated with all the latest news, clips, stats, and results from the Major.
