IEM Cologne Major 2026 Viewer’s Guide: Schedule, Where to Watch, and More

Counter-Strike fans are gearing up for nearly three weeks of top‑tier action as the much‑anticipated IEM Cologne Major 2026 approaches. The 32 best CS2 teams in the world will convene in Germany for the premier event. With a $1.25 million prize pool up for grabs and the chance for teams to etch their names into Counter‑Strike's history books, all eyes are on Cologne.

IEM Cologne 2026 will feature three Swiss‑stage rounds followed by a single‑elimination playoff. To learn more about the tournament's teams and format, check out our explainer article. We also have a dedicated Pick'Ems guide for Stage 1. 

IEM Cologne Major 2026 Schedule

Starting June 19th, the Cathedral of Counter-Strike—LANXESS—will host the top 8 teams as they battle it out for the IEM Cologne Major 2026 title. But before the teams head to the big arena, they will play three Swiss stages, kicking off June 2nd. 

The overall schedule for the upcoming CS2 fiesta is as follows: 

Stage 1 

Detailed Stage 1 Schedule

Stage 2

Opening Matches

Thursday, June 6th:

• 12:30 pm CET | 3:30 am PT - Spirit vs. TBD | Astralis vs. TBD
• 1:30 pm CET | 4:30 am PT - G2 vs. TBD | FUT vs. TBD
• 2:30 pm CET | 5:30 am PT - Legacy vs. TBD | 9z vs. TBD
• 3:30 pm CET | 6:30 am PT - paiN vs. TBD | Monte vs. TBD

Stage 3

Opening Matches

Thursday, June 11th:

• 11:00 am CET | 2:00 am PT - Vitality vs. TBD | Falcons vs. TBD
• 1:30 pm CET | 4:30 am PT - NAVI vs. TBD | FURIA vs. TBD
• 4:00 pm CET | 7:00 am - Aurora vs. TBD | PARIVISION vs. TBD
• 6:30 pm CET | 9:30 am - The MongolZ vs. TBD | MOUZ vs. TBD

Playoffs

Where to Watch IEM Cologne Major 2026

IEM Cologne Major 2026 will be broadcast live on ESL's official channels across multiple streaming platforms, with two streams running simultaneously. You can also watch co-streams from various content creators.

Below are the official English stream links: 

Stream A: Twitch, YouTube, Kick

Stream B: Twitch, YouTube, Kick

You can also follow the Cologne Major 2026 live on Strafe.

Don't forget to follow Strafe Esports for the latest news about your favorite esports and to check out our X account for the most recent content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to the Strafe YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and much more.

Featured Image Credit: ESL Counter-Strike

Read More:

IEM Cologne Major 2026: Format, Teams, What to Expect, and More

How to Play CS2 IEM Cologne Major 2026 Pick’Em Challenge: Viewer Pass, Rewards and more

IEM Cologne Major 2026: The Only Stage 1 Pick'Ems Guide You Need