The bracket for the MSI 2026 Play-Ins Stage is now confirmed, with T1 taking on Team Liquid as the opening match — set for June 28 at 5 AM CEST — followed by Karmine Corp facing Deep Cross Gaming. As a reminder, the Play-Ins run as a double-elimination bracket, with only a single team advancing to the Main Event.
Per the official rulebook, the two best-performing regions at First Stand present at the Play-Ins — excluding the First Stand champion, whose region (the LPL) sends its second seed directly to the Main Stage — This year, the LCP, having delivered the worst showing, was drawn against the LEC, the strongest Play-Ins performer after reaching the final. Meanwhile, the LCK (semifinalist) and the LCS (one series win) were drawn against each other.
