Dplus KIA Becomes First Team to Qualify for Worlds 2026 Playoffs

Dplus KIA has become the first team to qualify for the Worlds 2026 playoffs. On Sunday, October 25, the South Korean team defeated Movistar KOI 2-0 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the League of Legends World Championship.

With the victory, Dplus KIA finished the Swiss Stage with a 3-0 record, without losing a series. Before facing the European team, Dplus KIA had beaten G2 Esports in the opening round and defeated T1 in Round 2.

Smash Scores Pentakill in Dplus KIA's Victory

Game 1 lasted 39 minutes and 24 seconds, with Dplus KIA finishing on 16 kills to Movistar KOI's eight. Sin “Smash” Geum-jae played Kai'Sa and scored a pentakill in the final fight, finishing the game with eight kills, one death, and two assists.

In Game 2, Dplus KIA closed out the series in 25 minutes and 15 seconds, with 17 kills to Movistar KOI's five. Heo “ShowMaker” Su finished 9/0/2 on Syndra, without dying once.

Can Movistar KOI Still Qualify for the Playoffs?

Movistar KOI is not eliminated from Worlds 2026 yet. The European team now holds a 2-1 record in the Swiss Stage and needs just one more best-of-three (Bo3) series win to reach the quarterfinals.

If Movistar KOI loses its next series, it will fall to 2-2 and have one final chance to advance in Round 5. Its next opponent will be determined by the draw.

Follow Strafe's full Worlds 2026 coverage for the match schedule, results, participating teams, and more from the League of Legends World Championship.

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Featured image credit: Riot Games

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