MSI 2026 features 11 teams competing in Daejeon, South Korea from late June, with two slots each from the LCK, LPL, LEC, LCS, and LCP plus one from CBLOL. Secret Whales secured the first confirmed berth as the LCP’s second seed through the new championship points system after strong split performances. Remaining spots hinge on ongoing spring and split-two playoffs across regions, where recent form, roster stability, and head-to-head results in best-of-five series will decide seeds. LPL and LCK favorites like Gen.G and top Chinese squads enter as frontrunners for direct bracket entry, while LEC and LCS contenders face tighter races influenced by playoff momentum and potential upsets. Play-in adjustments limit the field to four teams in a double-elimination bracket, heightening the stakes for lower-seeded qualifiers.