Some teams have more to prove than others, but the Swiss Stage has a way of turning expectations upside down.
The next stage of the League of Legends World Championship 2026 is about to begin, with 16 teams preparing to go head-to-head in the Swiss Stage in Allen, Texas.
The competition will only become fiercer from this point onwards, with just eight teams advancing to the Knockout Stage. From there, the remaining contenders will continue their fight for a spot in the grand final, where they will have a shot at winning it all and lifting the Summoner's Cup.
But which teams have the best chances of making it through? GosuGamers has picked eight teams that we believe have what it takes to survive the Swiss Stage and book their spots in the Knockout Stage.
Who are the teams that can make it out of the Worlds 2026 Swiss Stage?
Gen.G
Gen.G enter Worlds 2026 as one of the tournament favourites, having dominated much of the competitive season, particularly during the LCK Season Finals. The LCK's first seed have also consistently made it past the early stages of major international tournaments, establishing themselves as one of the most formidable teams in professional League of Legends.
With their excellent macro, disciplined team fights, and ability to punish even the smallest mistakes, Gen.G have all the tools necessary to make a deep run at Worlds. As long as their players remain focused and perform at their usual level, they should have little trouble securing a spot in the Knockout Stage.
Hanwha Life Esports
Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) are another favourite to win the championship, so naturally, they are expected to make it through the Swiss Stage. Their strength was especially evident at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2026, where they claimed the championship, as well as during their impressive run through the LCK Season Finals.
HLE are also one of the few teams capable of taking down Gen.G in a series, which says plenty about their strength. With their stacked roster, aggressive team fighting, and ability to challenge even the strongest teams in the world, HLE should have what it takes to advance to the next stage of Worlds.
Bilibili Gaming
Bilibili Gaming (BLG) are also strong contenders to make it out of the Swiss Stage. The LPL's second seed have consistently reached the Knockout Stage at Worlds in recent years, even if it sometimes means taking the longer and more difficult route.
BLG are known for their ability to go toe-to-toe with the strongest LCK teams, while also demonstrating their dominance against representatives from other regions. However, their biggest challenge has often been maintaining consistency, as occasional coordination issues and questionable decisions can turn otherwise winnable games against them.
As long as BLG communicate well, stay coordinated, and avoid the mistakes that have cost them important matches in the past, they should have a strong chance of advancing.
Anyone's Legend
The LPL's first seed, 
Anyone's Legend (AL), are a force to be reckoned with, especially after defeating BLG in the LPL Split 3 grand final to secure their place at Worlds.
AL are the type of team that can balance disciplined macro with aggressive ganks and explosive team fights, making them difficult opponents to prepare against. They are capable of building advantages through calculated plays, but are equally comfortable taking fights when opportunities present themselves.
Their ability to adapt to different opponents could prove especially valuable in the Swiss Stage, where teams must face a variety of playstyles. With the momentum from their domestic championship behind them, AL have a strong chance of joining the other tournament favourites in the Knockout Stage.
T1
T1 are one of the teams we always root for, although it is sometimes difficult to predict which version of the team will show up in each match. Their performances can fluctuate throughout the season, but Worlds is usually where T1 are at their strongest.
The defending world champions have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. With more time to prepare for individual opponents and their extensive experience on the international stage, T1 should be capable of defeating most of the teams they encounter during the Swiss Stage.
However, there are still a few things they need to watch out for, particularly questionable drafting decisions and overconfidence. T1 are not always the type of team to choose the most straightforward solution, and their willingness to experiment or take unnecessary risks can sometimes turn games against them.
If they can avoid these mistakes and bring the same level of focus that has defined their previous Worlds campaigns, T1 should have a place in the Knockout Stage.
Dplus KIA
Dplus KIA may be entering Worlds as the LCK's fourth seed, but they have already proven that they can compete with, and even defeat, some of the strongest teams in the world.
Their biggest achievement this year came at the Esports World Cup 2026, where they took down the likes of BLG and Gen.G before sweeping Karmine Corp in the grand final. The victory marked a major resurgence for the organisation and demonstrated just how dangerous the team can be when everything comes together.
However, Dplus KIA have not always been able to maintain that same level of performance throughout the season. Their aggressive playstyle can overwhelm opponents when executed properly, but they can also struggle when their early-game plans fail to produce the desired results.
Dplus KIA have more than enough individual talent to challenge the tournament's strongest contenders. If they can reproduce their Esports World Cup form, a place in the Knockout Stage is certainly within reach.
G2 Esports
G2 Esports have shown plenty of times that they can stand up against the strongest teams in the world, particularly those from the LCK, as demonstrated by their impressive performances at First Stand earlier this year. The European powerhouse have also enjoyed an excellent domestic season, sweeping all three LEC titles and establishing themselves as the region's strongest representative heading into Worlds.
However, G2 also have a tendency to fall apart when matches do not go their way. A team that looks incredibly coordinated and difficult to beat in one game can suddenly struggle with decision-making and execution in the next. This inconsistency could become a major problem in the Swiss Stage, especially against opponents capable of punishing their mistakes. Nevertheless, G2 have the experience, talent, and strategic depth to challenge almost anyone in the competition.
If they can maintain their composure when things get difficult and avoid the mistakes that have plagued some of their international performances, G2 have a good chance of making it through.
LYON
LYON may not be the first team that comes to mind when discussing potential Worlds 2026 Knockout Stage contenders, but the LCS representatives have already shown that they are capable of surprising even the strongest teams.
Their most impressive international performance came at MSI 2026, where they finished third after an unexpected run through the lower bracket. Along the way, LYON swept G2 Esports 3-0 and pushed eventual champions HLE to five games, coming remarkably close to eliminating one of the tournament favourites.
Those results demonstrated that LYON are more than capable of competing against stronger regions when their players are performing at their best. With Inspired directing the team's jungle presence and players such as Saint and Berserker providing considerable firepower, LYON have the tools to make life difficult for their opponents.
Of course, their inconsistency remains a concern, especially after they failed to carry their MSI momentum into the Esports World Cup. However, their international performances have shown that they should not be underestimated.
The Swiss Stage will be another opportunity for LYON to prove that their MSI run was no fluke, and if they can rediscover that same level of coordination and confidence, they could very well secure one of the eight Knockout Stage spots.
Which teams could surprise everyone at the Worlds 2026 Swiss Stage?
While the eight teams above are our main picks to advance, there are several other contenders capable of shaking up the competition. Team Secret Whales, Karmine Corp, and Invictus Gaming may have a more difficult road ahead, but each has shown enough potential to make an unexpected run through the Swiss Stage.
Team Secret Whales
Team Secret Whales (TSW), in particular, have been dominant in the LCP, sweeping all three regional titles this year. Their aggressive playstyle and willingness to challenge stronger opponents have also produced impressive results internationally, including their memorable 3-1 upset against Top Esports at MSI 2026. Their biggest challenge will be maintaining that same level of execution against teams with stronger macro and more international experience.
Karmine Corp
Karmine Corp (KC), meanwhile, have already fought their way through the Play-In Stage to secure the final Swiss Stage spot. The LEC representatives also reached the Esports World Cup grand final earlier this year, proving that they can compete with some of the world's strongest teams. Although they have struggled with consistency, their ability to recover from difficult situations and pull off unexpected victories could prove valuable in the Swiss Stage.
Shanghai Invictus Gaming
Shanghai Invictus Gaming (IG) are another team worth keeping an eye on. The LPL's fourth seed have endured their share of struggles throughout the season, but their victory over JD Gaming in the Regional Finals demonstrated that they are still capable of delivering when it matters most. With their aggressive approach and willingness to take fights, IG could cause problems for opponents that underestimate them, although their tendency to take risks can also work against them.
The road to the Knockout Stage will not be easy for any of these teams, especially with so many tournament favourites competing for the same eight spots. However, the Swiss format leaves plenty of room for surprises, and just a few well-executed games could completely change the outcome of the competition.
Of course, this doesn't mean that the other teams have no chance of advancing. The Swiss Stage is unpredictable, and even the tournament favourites aren't guaranteed a spot in the Knockout Stage. With so many talented teams competing, a few unexpected results could completely change the picture, and we wouldn't be surprised if some of our predictions turn out to be wrong. Which team are you rooting for?
