Dota 2 The International 2026 Playoffs: Full Bracket and Opening Matches

The International 2026 is moving into its most important stage. After the group stage and elimination matches, only eight Dota 2 teams remain in contention for the Aegis of Champions. The playoffs will take place in Shanghai from August 20 to 23 and will use a double-elimination format.

TEAM VISION, Team Liquid and Nigma Galaxy secured strong positions during the group stage, while Team Falcons, Team Spirit, Iron Wing, BoomBoys and Team Yandex survived the elimination round to keep their tournament runs alive.

Four Big Matches Open the TI 2026 Playoffs

The first day of the upper bracket will feature four best-of-three series. Iron Wing will face Team Spirit, TEAM VISION will meet BoomBoys, Team Liquid will play Team Yandex, and Nigma Galaxy will take on defending champions Team Falcons.

Every matchup carries major pressure. A win keeps a team in the upper bracket and shortens the road to the grand final, while a loss sends the squad into the lower bracket, where one more defeat means elimination.

Team Falcons Face an Early Test

One of the most anticipated opening series is Nigma Galaxy versus Team Falcons. Falcons entered TI 2026 as defending champions, but Nigma showed strong form in the group stage and earned a direct playoff spot. The series could become an early indicator of whether Falcons are ready to make another deep run.

Team Spirit will also attract plenty of attention. The organization is already one of the most successful names in modern Dota 2, but Iron Wing has shown that it can challenge elite opponents.

The International 2026 runs through August 23, when the final two teams will meet in a best-of-five grand final. With only eight squads left, every draft, Roshan fight and late-game decision can now decide who stays in the race for the Aegis.