T1 knock out Karmine Corp 3-1 and reach the Worlds 2026 semifinals

The reigning world champions are still on course for another trophy. T1 beat French powerhouse Karmine Corp (KC) 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 League of Legends World Championship, known as Worlds, in Allen, Texas.

What happened?

This was a rematch with some history. T1 and KC last met in a best-of series about four months ago, in the Esports World Cup 2026 playoff semifinal in Paris. T1 won that one too.

Game 1 started badly for T1, with KC's Canna solo-killing Doran in the top lane. But around the 15-minute mark, Oner started a fight by the dragon pit and Faker picked off Yike, Yehu and Canna. At 25 minutes, T1 ambushed a spread-out KC team, Peyz grabbed a double kill, and the game was over after 35 minutes.

Game 2 was one-sided. Faker caught Yike at the three-minute mark, and T1 never let go. They took four dragons and finished in under 30 minutes.

KC fought back

KC changed plans in game 3 and avoided head-on fights. The first kill only came at 19 minutes. Later, KC secured the Elder Dragon buff around the 35-minute mark, wiped out T1's top and bottom duo, and pushed in. Faker and Oner defended near the Nexus tower, but Yehu on Annie and Canna broke through and destroyed the Nexus.

In game 4, Canna drew first blood at six minutes. T1 hit back straight after taking a dragon: Peyz killed Yike, Yehu and Bushio for a triple kill. He stayed dominant in the next fights, and T1 closed out the game in 35 minutes.

What's next?

T1 now face China's Bilibili Gaming (BLG) on 9 November, in the same venue, for a place in the final.

A year ago, on 9 November 2025, T1 won the 2025 Worlds title. They are now two wins away from defending it.