The first round matchups for the 2026 Counter-Strike 2 Cologne Major have been announced.

ESL, the official organizer of esports tournaments, has officially announced the matchups for the first round of the 2026 IEM Cologne Major.

As one of the most anticipated international tournaments for Counter-Strike 2, the Cologne Major will gather 32 of the world's strongest professional teams. According to the schedule, 16 of these teams will be the first to enter the first stage of the competition on June 2, 2026, to kick off the opening match.

Before the official start of the competition, all the teams' first-round opponents have been determined. Many star teams will take the stage at this stage to begin their quest for the Major championship. Several Chinese teams will face tough challenges, with TYLOO playing against B8 and Lynn Vision taking on M80.

With the release of the first round matchups, the game's official team will soon launch the in-game "Pick'Em" event for the 2026 Cologne Major, allowing players to predict the outcome of their favorite teams.

Complete first-round matchup list for Stage 1:

• GamerLegion vs NRG

• B8 vs TYLOO

• HEROIC vs Sharks

• BetBoom vs Gaimin Gladiators

• BIG vs Team Liquid

• M80 vs Lynn Vision

• MIBR vs. THUNDER dOWNUNDER

• SINNERS vs FlyQuest

Image source: Internet