All Teams Qualified to MSI 2026

All Teams Qualified to MSI 2026

15 Jun, 2026, 15:50

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Last updated: 15 Jun, 2026, 15:50

The complete lineup of teams set to compete at MSI 2026 is set. Eleven of the best League of Legends teams in the world are heading to Daejeon, South Korea for a showdown in search of the second international tournament of the year. Here's a look at the full list of teams at MSI 2026 before the tournament kicks off on June 28.

MSI 2026 Banner

All Teams at MSI 2026

Note that all second seeds except for Top Esports will start their MSI journey in the Play-In Stage. There, only one of the four squads will manage to move on to the Bracket Stage, which means there's little to no margin for error.

Here's a look at the first part of the MSI 2026 Play-In Stage bracket, which is set to kick off Sunday, June 28. The full bracket will be double-elimination.

MSI 2026 Play-In bracket - Strafe Esports

New MSI Champions on the Horizon

The list of teams qualified to MSI 2026 appears to have one giant hole in it, and it has the shape of Gen.G. Despite winning back-to-back MSI titles in 2024 and 2025, the two-time defending champions won't be able to fight for their crown this time around.

Over the last couple of years, Gen.G has all but grown synonymous with MSI, and their absence will certainly be felt — especially considering MSI 2026 is set to be played on home ground in South Korea.

Chovy will be unable to defend his title at MSI 2026. (Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games)
Chovy will be unable to defend his title at MSI 2026. (Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games)

That said, this may well also serve as the reality check Gen.G needed. For all of their recent success at MSI, Gen.G have been equal parts disappointing at Worlds. The team's failure to qualify for MSI 2026 should demonstrate just how much work they have ahead of them, which is something any team would much rather realize before Worlds than at Worlds.

While Gen.G are forced to watch from home, some of the biggest teams at MSI will be eager to make this shot count. Will Hanwha Life continue their incredible run of form? Can BLG manage to get one step closer to completing the elusive Golden Road? Will T1's rise in form arrive a little early this year? How much noise can the West really make in South Korea?

The answer to these questions and more await at MSI 2026!

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: Liu YiCun/Riot Games


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