Only three teams remain in the fight for the final Worlds 2026 Swiss Stage spot.
The stakes just got a little higher on the second day of the 2026 League of Legends World Championship, as four teams continued their fierce battle for the final spot in the Swiss Stage.
After the dust settled, 
Karmine Corp moved one step closer to qualification after sweeping 
MVK Esports 3-0 in a dominant performance. Meanwhile, 
FURIA Esports turned the tables on 
Cloud9 KIA with a 3-1 victory, eliminating the North American squad from Worlds 2026.
Worlds 2026 Play-In Stage Day 2 results
Here are the results of Day 2 of the Play-In Stage at Worlds 2026:
- Karmine Corp 3-0 MVK Esports
- FURIA Esports 3-1 Cloud9 KIA
Here's how the matches went:
Karmine Corp dismantle MVK Esports to move closer to Worlds 2026 Swiss Stage
Karmine Corp showed a return to form on the second day of the Play-In Stage, sweeping MVK Esports 3-0 in a commanding performance. The European squad maintained control throughout the series, leaving MVK with few opportunities to fight back. While the Vietnamese side showed glimpses of their potential, their relative lack of international experience became apparent against a more composed and coordinated Karmine Corp.
KC's bot lane duo 
Caliste “Caliste” Henry-Hennebert and 
Alan “Busio” Cwalina were particularly impressive, delivering standout performances throughout the series. However, it was ultimately a strong showing from the entire Karmine Corp roster, with every player contributing to the team's convincing victory.
With the win, Karmine Corp advanced directly to the final qualification series, while MVK dropped to the lower bracket for one last chance to stay in contention.
FURIA find their footing to knock Cloud9 KIA out of Worlds 2026
Cloud9 KIA started the series in control, denying FURIA's attempts to turn the game around and securing the opening victory. The second game followed a similar pattern, although FURIA managed to keep the gap closer and remain competitive. A crucial teamfight around the Dragon pit, where FURIA focused on eliminating Cloud9 jungler Robert “Blaber” Huang shifted the momentum in their favour. The Brazilian squad continued to punish Cloud9's mistakes and eventually levelled the series at 1-1.
FURIA carried that momentum into the third game, displaying much better coordination and teamfighting as they capitalised on Cloud9's missteps. Their improved form continued into the fourth game, where they maintained control and denied Cloud9 any chance of forcing a decider.
With three consecutive victories, FURIA secured a 3-1 series victory to eliminate Cloud9 from Worlds 2026 and keep their own tournament hopes alive.
What's next in the Worlds 2026 Play-In Stage?
Only two matches remain in the Worlds 2026 Play-In Stage, with the final Swiss Stage spot still up for grabs. Following their loss to Karmine Corp, MVK Esports have dropped to the lower bracket, where they will face FURIA in a rematch on Saturday (17 October, PT) at 11.00 AM PT / 2.00 AM SGT (18 October).
The winner will advance to the final qualification series against Karmine Corp on Sunday (18 October, PT) at 11.00 AM PT / 2.00 AM SGT (19 October). The winner of that best-of-five showdown will secure the last remaining spot in the Swiss Stage, which begins on 23 October.
