Stage 3 of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 has arrived, and we hope we can guide you to another upgrade on your coin. Remember that we now enter a new stage with only bo3’s!
Our picks are here, if you don’t want to read the full analysis:
3-0: Vitality and Spirit
3-1, 3-2: Falcons, NAVI, G2, FUT, FURIA, and BetBoom
0-3: PARIVISION and The MongolZ
* The deadline is Thursday at 11.00 (CEST).
Format changes in stage 3
All matches in stage 3 are played as best of three series. This format significantly reduces the likelihood of weaker teams creating upsets and eliminates the best-of-one chaos that often impacts opening day results.
Stage 3 opening matchups
The first round features the following fixtures:
- Vitality – FUT
- NAVI – Team Spirit
- Falcons – G2
- The MongolZ – BetBoom
- PARIVISION – 9z
- Aurora – Monte
- FURIA – B8
- MOUZ – Legacy
The 3-0 bracket predictions
Vitality remains the undisputed number one team in the world this season. They aim to equal Astralis with a third consecutive Major victory, which would also be their fourth overall Major title. While their performance at IEM Atlanta was suboptimal, that event does not accurately reflect their current form. Vitality is a secure choice for a perfect record. They face FUT in the first round, presenting an initial challenge, but Vitality should take control of the series quickly.
Team Spirit is the second selection for a flawless run. With Danil “donk” Kryshkovets in peak form, Spirit is a serious contender to win the Major. The primary concern is a potential matchup against Vitality in the 1-0 or 2-0 bracket, which would guarantee at least one correct prediction in this category. Spirit opens against NAVI. It is a demanding task, but Spirit’s momentum from stage 2 should secure the victory.
Securing a playoff spot with 3-1 or 3-2
Falcons are highly likely to qualify for the playoffs. Under Finn “karrigan” Andersen’s leadership, the team has reached two grand finals. The preparation time leading up to Cologne has given the new in-game leader ample opportunity to align the roster with his tactical system. This roster can beat anyone at the Major, but we have also seen their inconsistency numerous times, so we put them into the 3-1, 3-2 bracket.
NAVI is another strong candidate to advance. While they face a tough opening match against a warmed-up Team Spirit, their overall quality should comfortably see them through to the Lanxess Arena.
FUT delivered an impressive performance in stage 2. Any doubts regarding their form heading into Cologne were quickly erased by their high level of play. Despite a predicted opening loss to Vitality, they possess the resilience to recover and qualify.
FURIA is also positioned for a playoff appearance. This tournament marks Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo’s final season and his last visit to Cologne as an active player, ten years after winning the 2016 Cologne Major. They begin stage 3 against a team that went 3-2 in stage 2, offering a favorable start. FURIA has the quality required to secure a top eight finish.
G2 showed solid form in stage 2 and holds a strong chance of reaching the playoffs. They face a difficult opener against Falcons and will need to recover quickly if they drop the initial series.
The final advancement spot is highly contested among BetBoom, Aurora, MOUZ, and Monte. BetBoom has shown consistency throughout the event. MOUZ enters with uncertainty as Ludvig “Brollan” Brolin returns to the lineup just for the Major, replacing Justinas “jL” Lekavicius. Aurora fields a capable roster but suffers from inconsistent recent results. BetBoom represents the most logical choice for the final playoff ticket.
The 0-3 elimination candidates
Identifying the teams that will exit without a win is complex, particularly as PARIVISION and 9z face each other in the opening round. The loser of this series is highly susceptible to a 0-3 finish.
PARIVISION has struggled to maintain form. Their last significant result was a victory over Falcons at BLAST Rotterdam three months ago. Since then, they have only managed to defeat Legacy among the stage 3 participants. While Dzhami “Jame” Ali and Dastan “dastan” Akbayev may have prepared new strategies, PARIVISION’s recent record points toward an early exit.
9z exceeded expectations by reaching stage 3, but the level of competition in this phase is likely too demanding for the South American squad. They could potentially leverage their qualification momentum to secure an opening win against PARIVISION.
The MongolZ emerge as the primary prediction for a 0-3 exit. Over the past two and a half months, their only positive result was a win against G2 at PGL Astana. Against current stage 3 teams, they have suffered losses to Aurora, B8, Legacy, and Falcons, managing only a single victory against PARIVISION.
We wish you all goodluck in your Pick’ems!
