NAVI secured a position in the 2-1 bracket at the IEM Cologne Major 2026 after recovering from a one-map deficit against The MongolZ. The maximum-length series saw the European roster stabilize after a sluggish opening half to the match.
The series began on Nuke, where an even first half left both teams deadlocked. The dynamic changed entirely after the side switch, as The MongolZ found momentum on their CT side. The Mongolian squad consistently secured opening kills, establishing favorable 5v4 advantages that neutralised NAVI‘s tactical defaults. This conversion rate allowed The MongolZ to claim a 13-8 victory, putting one of the tournament favorites on the back foot.
NAVI claw back on Ancient to force overtime
The pressure continued onto Ancient, which was NAVI’s map selection. The MongolZ controlled the first half, building an 8-4 lead and exposing gaps in the NAVI offensive lines.
The momentum shifted when NAVI moved to the CT side, a side that has heavily favored defenses throughout the event. While Sodbayar “Techno4K” Munkhbold delivered multiple high-impact rounds for The MongolZ, NAVI systematically closed the gap. A critical defuse at 11-11 proved to be the turning point, allowing NAVI to secure the eighth round necessary to force overtime. In the extra rounds, NAVI executed cleanly to capture their map pick 16-13.
Dominant defense carries NAVI across the finish line on Mirage
The decider on Mirage belonged entirely to NAVI, who carried their newfound momentum into a dominant defensive half. The roster secured nine rounds on their CT side, establishing a commanding cushion before the swap.
Unlike the previous maps, NAVI maintained complete structural control on their T side. Multiple players found their form simultaneously, shutting down the Mongolian defensive setups to close out the map 13-6.
With this victory, NAVI move to the 2-1 bracket and sit one series away from the playoffs. The MongolZ drop to the 1-2 bracket, meaning they will need two consecutive victories to avoid elimination from the Major.
