In the quarterfinals of IEM Cologne 2025, two teams that have already proven themselves on the big stage this year — MOUZ and FURIA — will clash in a high-stakes showdown. Both squads reached this stage at BLAST.tv Austin Major earlier in the season, and now they’re back among the final eight contenders, each with serious title ambitions in Cologne. Can the structured European style of MOUZ overcome the explosive Brazilian force of FURIA? Let’s break down the form, map pool, and key players ahead of the match.
Current Form
FURIA enter the quarterfinal with a solid run behind them. Over the past three months, they’ve played 60 maps and won 36 — a decent win rate. Despite a disappointing 9th–12th place finish at FISSURE Playground 1, their recent results have been promising: four wins in their last five games, defeating Falcons, G2 (twice), and Astralis, with only one loss to G2. The Brazilian squad appears to be gaining momentum at just the right time.
MOUZ, on the other hand, have focused solely on IEM Cologne this past month, which likely allowed them to prepare more thoroughly. They’ve won three of their last five matches — against NAVI, Liquid, and Spirit — and lost two, to Vitality and a rematch versus Spirit. While a bit inconsistent, the team’s wins over top-tier opponents show strong potential. In total, they’ve played 45 maps over the last three months, securing 27 victories.
Map Pool
A tactical battle over the map veto is expected, as both teams share similar ban preferences but rely on different strengths when it comes to map picks.
First Ban:
- FURIA usually remove Ancient.
- MOUZ also regularly ban Ancient, so FURIA might instead opt to ban Overpass, another uncomfortable pick for them.
Map Picks:
- FURIA will likely pick Train, a map where they boast an impressive 80% win rate. It’s their signature battleground and one where they played well against MOUZ in their previous meeting.
- MOUZ are expected to pick Mirage, a common choice for them with a 67% win rate and one of FURIA’s weaker maps.
Second Ban:
- FURIA might remove Inferno, considering their last loss to MOUZ on that map.
- MOUZ will probably ban Dust2, as FURIA are strong on it (62% win rate).
Decider:
- That leaves Nuke as the decider — a map where both teams are evenly matched, each holding a 71% win rate. Expect a fierce battle if it goes the distance.
Head-to-Head and Key Players
The most recent meeting between MOUZ and FURIA took place six months ago at ESL Pro League Season 21, where MOUZ came out on top 2–1. The teams traded map wins (Train 13:9, Inferno 13:16), with Nuke ending in a close 13:11 in MOUZ’s favor — a result that could influence the psychological edge going into a potential decider.
On the individual front, FURIA rely heavily on the firepower of KSCERATO and molodoy, both averaging a 1.19 rating in recent matches. For MOUZ, xertioN (1.16) and torzsi (1.13) are the standout performers, capable of going toe-to-toe with the Brazilian stars.
Match Prediction
This matchup promises to be closely contested — both teams have the talent, form, and experience to go deep into the tournament. FURIA are riding a strong streak with big wins, but MOUZ have already defeated them this year and have looked more composed against elite teams at IEM Cologne itself.
If the series goes to Nuke as the decider, MOUZ might hold a slight advantage, having edged out FURIA on that map before.
Prediction: MOUZ win 2–1, with their edge in discipline and adaptability giving them the upper hand in a tight best-of-three.
