2026 World Cup: Teams Eliminated and Bracket Updates

Teams Out So Far

The knockout phase has seen twelve nations bow out of the tournament. Croatia fell 1‑2 to Portugal on July 2 in Toronto, ending their World Cup run. Ghana was dispatched 0‑1 by Colombia the next day in Kansas City, while Cabo Verde lost 2‑3 to Argentina in Miami. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s campaign concluded without a point, and Senegal suffered a 0‑1 defeat to Belgium in Seattle. England advanced past Congo DR 2‑1, while Sweden were humbled 0‑3 by France in New Jersey. Norway edged Côte d’Ivoire 2‑1 in Dallas, and Morocco stunned the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. Germany fell to Paraguay in another shootout, and Japan’s hopes ended with a 1‑2 loss to Brazil in Houston. Finally, South Africa was ousted 0‑1 by Canada in Inglewood.

In total, 40 teams have boarded the plane home, leaving eight survivors to battle for the title. The eliminated squads include some familiar faces and promising newcomers, each having posted a historic but bittersweet appearance on the world stage.

Quarterfinal Lineup Takes Shape

Eight nations remain after a dramatic round of 16. France and Morocco will clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, while Belgium and Spain meet at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. England faces Norway at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, and Switzerland takes on Argentina in Kansas City. The semifinals will be held on July 15, with the winners advancing to the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. A third‑place match is slated for Hard Rock Stadium as well.

Each remaining side carries a narrative of resilience. France seeks to defend its recent prestige, Morocco aims to make history as the first African quarterfinalist, Belgium looks to rebuild momentum, and Spain hopes to navigate a tough opponent. England and Switzerland each boast young talent, while Argentina’s star power remains a key factor.

Key Venues and Future Fixtures

The quarterfinals will be hosted in major U.S. stadiums, showcasing the tournament’s expanded reach. Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) will hold the first semifinal, SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) the second. The third‑place match and the eventual final will be staged at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL) and MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) respectively, providing ample capacity for fans from across the continent.

Looking ahead, the final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium. Fans can expect high‑stakes football, intense rivalries, and the possibility of historic moments as these eight teams write the next chapter of World Cup lore.

What It Means Going Forward

The current bracket reflects the depth of talent across five continents. With 47 teams originally competing, the field has been trimmed to a manageable eight, each representing diverse football cultures. The upcoming matches will determine which nations progress to the semifinals, where the competition will intensify further. Fans worldwide will be watching, eager for more drama, skill, and unforgettable goals as the quest for the 2026 trophy continues.