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T1 vs KC: Can the French Take Down the Worlds Champions?
We are ready to kick off the Worlds 2026 Quarterfinals, with some of the most exciting matchups of the tournament set to unfold in the biggest League of Legends event of the year.
Europe's last hope, Karmine Corp, will face one of the tournament's toughest challenges as they take on six-time Worlds champions T1.
Only one team will secure a spot in the Semifinals, with T1 once again among the favorites to lift the trophy. Can KC make history at Worlds 2026, or will T1 claim another expected victory?
Six Titles Down, Can T1 Make It Seven?
Once again, T1 are among the favorites to lift the trophy after winning Worlds three times in a row. Since claiming their first title in 2013, the organization has secured six World Championships, making them the most successful team in League of Legends history.
In 2026, T1 are once again among the favorites, especially after securing their place in the Quarterfinals. When it comes to potential matchups, facing a Western team could be an ideal scenario for the Korean organization, with the odds seemingly in their favor.
With one of the youngest and most talented ADCs in the game joining the roster in 2026, T1 could continue building on their legacy at Worlds and add yet another trophy to their collection.
Europe's Last Hope Faces a Tough Road to the Semifinals
Europe has been without an international title since 2019, when G2 Esports claimed MSI, the region's only international trophy in League of Legends history.
Since then, Europe has been left wondering what could have been, with several near misses on the international stage. Their most recent opportunity came at First Stand 2026, when G2 Esports reached the tournament's Grand Final.
For Karmine Corp, however, the draw could hardly have been tougher, as T1 will be their first opponent in the Knockout Stage. The Korean organization is not only a formidable force both individually and as a team, but also has the added motivation of defending its Worlds title.
For many fans, this looks like an almost impossible challenge for Karmine Corp. However, they are determined to put up a fight and prove that they have what it takes to take down the reigning champions.
The odds may not be in their favor, but fans can still expect a competitive series, especially in the bot lane, where some of the world's best ADCs and supports will go head-to-head.
Matchup to Watch: A Bot Lane Showdown You Cannot Miss
Caliste "Caliste" Henry-Hennebert and Kim "Peyz" Su-hwan are two of the most exciting ADCs to watch, but they arrive at this Quarterfinal from very different stages of their careers. While one is looking to establish himself among the best players in the world, the other has already built an impressive international résumé.
Caliste has quickly become one of Europe's biggest rising talents. Since joining Karmine Corp, the young French ADC has established himself as a key part of the team's success, combining mechanical skill, confidence, and an impressive ability to perform under pressure.
On the other side, Peyz brings a wealth of experience despite his young age. Having already played at the highest level of international competition, the T1 ADC knows what it takes to perform under pressure. With his mechanical consistency and strong teamfighting, he represents another major challenge for KC.
Both players have their own strengths, but their responsibilities within their teams are quite different. Caliste is one of the central pieces of KC's identity and a player the team can rely on to carry fights.
Peyz, meanwhile, joins an already established T1 system, where his role is to provide consistency and firepower alongside some of the most accomplished players in the game.
With a place in the Semifinals on the line, this bot lane battle could become one of the defining matchups of the series.
T1 vs KC Prediction: Who Makes It to the Semifinals?
T1 have once again entered the Worlds Knockout Stage as one of the strongest contenders for the title. The reigning champions have plenty of international experience and know exactly what it takes to perform under pressure.
KC, on the other hand, has fought their way into the Quarterfinals and is now carrying Europe's hopes on their shoulders. While facing T1 is certainly one of the toughest draws they could have received, the French organization has shown that it can compete against Asian opponents.
Having already taken down the LPL's first seed, KC will be looking to cause another major upset and book their place in the Semifinals.
The two teams will now meet in the Knockout Stage, with everything on the line. Although T1 enter the series as clear favorites, KC have the opportunity to challenge the reigning champions and prove that they belong among the world's best.
The two teams last met at the EWC, where KC came out on top with a 2-1 victory.
We expect T1 to take down Karmine Corp 3-1, securing another Semifinal appearance at Worlds 2026. However, KC have already shown that they should not be underestimated.
Our readers also lean heavily towards the Korean organization, with 73% of the Strafe fan votes choosing T1 to win the series.
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Featured image credit: Yicun Liu/Riot Games
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