Riot Games has officially unveiled key details for both MSI 2026 and Worlds 2026, confirming host cities, venues, formats, and ticketing plans for two of the biggest international events in the League of Legends esports calendar.
With South Korea hosting MSI and North America welcoming Worlds for the first time in four years, the 2026 season is set to deliver global scale and high-stakes competition across multiple regions. After First Stand 2026 brought international League action to Brazil, players can now look ahead to two more marquee events on the calendar.
Here is everything you need to know about these events in 2026.
MSI 2026 schedule, venue, and host city
MSI 2026 will take place in Daejeon, South Korea, marking the first time the city hosts a League of Legends international event. The tournament will run from June 28 to July 12 at the Daejeon Convention Center II, bringing cross-regional competition to a brand-new venue.
The event will kick off with the Play-in Stage from June 28 to July 1, followed by the Bracket Stage split across July 3 to 6 and July 8 to 12. Key playoffs matches include the Upper Final on July 9, Lower Final on July 11, and the Grand Final on July 12.
A total of 11 teams will compete at MSI 2026, including two representatives each from the LCK, LCS, LEC, LPL, and LCP, along with one team from CBLOL.
While MSI 2026 largely retains last year’s structure, Riot has introduced changes to the Play-In Stage. The Play-Ins will now feature a four-team double-elimination bracket, with only one team advancing to the main Bracket Stage.
The remaining seven teams will bypass Play-Ins entirely, consisting of each region’s first seed and additional high-performing second seeds based on First Stand results.
Ticket sales for MSI 2026 will roll out in phases via Interpark. Mastercard cardholders with passports will gain early access on April 21, followed by general global sales on April 23. A separate on-sale for South Korean residents will begin on May 21.
Worlds 2026 schedule, format and North America venues
Worlds 2026 will return to North America, spanning multiple cities across the United States from October 15 to November 14. The tournament will begin with the Play-In Stage in Los Angeles at the Riot Games Arena from October 15 to 18.
The competition will then move to Allen, Texas, where the Credit Union of Texas Event Center will host the Swiss Stage from October 23 to 26 and October 28 to 31, followed by the Knockout Stage from November 3 to 8, 2026.
The event will conclude with the Grand Final at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on November 14, setting the stage for one of the biggest moments in League esports.
Worlds 2026 will largely follow the same format as 2025, with adjustments to Play-Ins and regional seeding. The tournament will feature 19 teams, including three representatives from each major region, two teams from CBLOL, the MSI champion, and an additional slot for the second-best performing region at MSI.
The Play-In Stage will include four teams competing in a double-elimination best-of-five bracket, with one team advancing to the Swiss Stage. Ticket sales for Worlds 2026 are expected to begin in mid-to-late July, with more details to be announced closer to release.
