NAVI advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 Esports World Cup in CS2 after defeating The MongolZ in a best-of-three series. The match went to three maps: NAVI won Inferno 13–5, lost Ancient 9–13, and sealed the victory on Mirage 13–8.
What was the matchup like between the teams
The teams started off by playing Inferno. The MongolZ got off to a better start and immediately built a small lead—3:0. However, after switching to full buy, NAVI gradually seized the initiative. The Ukrainians won most of the remaining rounds in the first half and went into the break with a comfortable 8–4 lead.
After the break, NAVI’s lead only grew. The MongolZ couldn’t find a way to counter their opponents’ plays, so the Ukrainian team cruised to victory on the map—13–5.
On Ancient, the situation changed. This time, The MongolZ seized the early lead, going up 4–0. NAVI managed to close the gap, but they couldn’t completely turn the tide of the half. The Mongolian team maintained control and ended the first half in their favor—7–3.
After switching sides, NAVI began to pick up the pace and tied the score at 8–8. It seemed as though the Ukrainians were on the verge of completing a comeback, but The MongolZ regained the initiative at the most crucial moment. DarkMeister emerged as one of the heroes of the closing stages, and his team closed out Ancient with a score of 13–9.
Thus, the outcome of the match would be decided on Mirage. NAVI immediately took control of the game and won six consecutive opening rounds. The MongolZ, however, didn’t crumble and gradually fought their way back. By the end of the first half, the Mongolian squad even managed to tie the score, keeping the suspense alive before the sides switched.
The pistol round of the second half proved to be the turning point. NAVI won it and gained the momentum needed for the decisive run. This time, The MongolZ were unable to mount another comeback: the Ukrainians controlled the economy and the pace of the game, securing a 13-8 victory on Mirage.
NAVI has learned who its opponent will be in the EWC 2026 playoffs
The victory over The MongolZ allowed NAVI to advance in the Esports World Cup 2026 playoffs. The Ukrainian club has already secured at least $35,000 in prize money and has moved ahead of Vitality in the Valve rankings.
After the conclusion of the group stage, the organizers held the draw for the Counter-Strike 2 tournament playoffs. The matches in the decisive stage of the Esports World Cup will take place from August 19 to 23.
In the first round of the playoffs, NAVI will face Legacy. The Brazilian team will be the Ukrainian squad’s next opponent in the battle for the championship title. The match will be a best-of-three series and will begin on August 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Unlike the previous stage, every mistake in the playoffs can be decisive, as a loss will mean elimination from the tournament. So, before their match against Legacy, NAVI will have a few days to thoroughly prepare for their new opponent.