The all-South-American clash at the IEM Cologne Major 2026 quarterfinals went to FURIA, who defeated 9z Team 2-1 on June 18. It was a hard-fought series that showcased the depth of South American Counter-Strike.
Map 1: Dust2 — 9z Win
9z opened the series with a Dust2 win, continuing their momentum from Stage 3. The Argentinian side attacked the map with confidence, and FURIA looked slightly off-tempo.
Map 2: Mirage — FURIA Response
FURIA came back to life on Mirage. KSCERATO and yuurih combined to create constant space in mid, and YEKINDAR's aggressive T-side impact rounds turned the tide. FURIA closed the map out to force a decider.
Map 3: Overpass
The decider was FURIA's map. Backed by tactical adjustments from IGL FalleN and coach sidde, the Brazilians controlled Overpass' A side executes and defended B site with excellent utility. 9z's magical run had come to an end.
9z's Historic Run
9z's Major ended in the quarterfinals, but the Argentinians left with their heads high. They beat Vitality in Stage 3 and reached the top 8 of a CS2 Major — arguably the best result an Argentine-flagged team has ever posted in Counter-Strike.
FURIA Look Ahead
FURIA now faced Aurora Gaming in the semifinals on June 20. The Brazilians looked increasingly like genuine title contenders after their playoff opener. FalleN, a Cologne 2016 legend with Luminosity Gaming, was back in the semifinals of an event that means something personal to him.
