All four 2026 Worlds semifinalists—Gen.G and T1 from the LCK alongside Bilibili Gaming and Invictus Gaming from the LPL—emerged from quarterfinal sweeps or series wins that eliminated the final Western contenders, Karmine Corp and LYON. Earlier Swiss-stage exits for G2 Esports, Team Liquid, and Movistar KOI left no LEC or LCS representation in the bracket. With the remaining best-of-five matchups locked on November 7–8 and the November 14 final in Brooklyn set for an LCK-LPL pairing, trader consensus prices a Western grand-final appearance at zero implied probability. Only unforeseen postponements, disqualifications, or roster changes could reopen that path, though none appear plausible at this stage.