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MSI 2026: Schedule, Format, Opening Matches, and More
MSI 2026 is here! The best League of Legends teams from all over the world are set to clash in Daejeon, South Korea for the second international trophy of the season. The tournament kicks off on June 28, and now is the time to familiarize yourself with the schedule, the format, the teams, and more for MSI 2026.
MSI 2026 Format Explained
Like in recent years, MSI 2026 will feature a Play-In Stage first and foremost. The difference this time around is that only a single team will make it through to the Bracket Stage. The format for each of the two stages at this year's MSI will look as follows:
Play-In Stage Format:
- Four teams: #2 seeds from the LCS, LEC, LCK, and LCP
- Double-elimination bracket
- All matches are Bo5 Fearless Draft
- Winner qualifies to the Bracket Stage
Bracket Stage Format:
- Eight teams: all #1 seeds + #2 seed from the LPL + Play-In Stage winner
- Double-elimination Bracket
- All matches are Bo5 Fearlesss Draft
- Winner qualifies to Worlds 2026 (if they reach the playoffs in their final regional split)
Make sure to check out our guide of teams qualified to MSI 2026 for a closer look at the seeds from every region as well as the biggest names missing from the tournament.
Schedule and Opening Matches
The tournament will run through two full weeks, from Sunday, June 28, until Sunday, July 12. Here's a detailed look at the complete MSI 2026 schedule for each stage.
Play-In Stage Schedule:
| Date | Start Time | |
| Game Day 1 | Sunday, June 28 | 8 pm PT (day before) / 5 am CET |
| Game Day 2 | Monday, June 29 | 8 pm PT (day before) / 5 am CET |
| Game Day 3 | Tuesday, June 30 | 1 am PT / 10 am CET |
| Game Day 4 | Wednesday, July 1 | 1 am PT / 10 am CET |
Bracket Stage Schedule:
| Date | Start Time | |
| Game Day 1 | Friday, July 3 | 8 pm PT (day before) / 5 am CET |
| Game Day 2 | Saturday, July 4 | 8 pm PT (day before) / 5 am CET |
| Game Day 3 | Sunday, July 5 | 8 pm PT (day before) / 5 am CET |
| Game Day 4 | Monday, July 6 | 8 pm PT (day before) / 5 am CET |
| Dark Day | — | — |
| Game Day 5 | Wednesday, July 8 | 8 pm PT (day before) / 5 am CET |
| Game Day 6 (Upper Finals) | Thursday, July 9 | 1 am PT / 10 am CET |
| Game Day 7 | Friday, July 10 | 1 am PT / 10 am CET |
| Game Day 8 (Lower Finals) | Saturday, July 11 | 1 am PT / 10 am CET |
| Game Day 8 (Grand Finals) | Sunday, July 12 | 11 pm PT (day before) / 7 am CET |
Opening Matches
The action will kick off with the Play-In Stage, where the bracket is already set. The two opening matches of MSI 2026 are:
- T1 vs Team Liquid [Sunday, June 28 - 8 pm PT (day before)/5 am CET]
- Karmine Corp vs Deep Cross Gaming [Sunday, June 28 - 1 am PT/10 am CET]
MSI 2026 Drops
You can earn exclusive event rewards from watching MSI 2026 live. These rewards include the brand-new "Ducky!" and "No Running!" icons featuring Yunara and Renekton.
For a chance to earn drops, all you need to do is watch MSI matches live on LoLEsports.com while logged in with your Riot ID.
Where to Watch
All of the games at MSI 2026 will be broadcast live on the official LoL Esports channels on Twitch and YouTube. Alternatively, you can also choose to follow the action along with your favorite co-streamers!
Follow Strafe Esports for the latest League of Legends news, and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe's YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.
Featured image credit: Riot Games
Read more:
All Teams Qualified to MSI 2026
The 2026 LCS Championship Is Set for Atlanta
Doublelift Announces New Retirement Home Tournament Featuring Former LCS Stars