2026 World Cup: Full List Of Teams Eliminated So Far

The 2026 World Cup fields 48 nations, a huge jump from the 32‑team format that had been in place since 1998, giving many countries a longer run but still leaving plenty of early exits. The new group‑stage tie‑breaker caused Haiti, Turkey, Ghana and Tunisia to become the first four teams knocked out before the knockout phase began. As the tournament progresses, fans are seeing a mix of surprises, penalty dramas and co‑host nations struggling to advance.

Early Group‑Stage Exits

Haiti (rank 83) crashed out on June 20 after a 1‑0 loss to Scotland and a 3‑0 defeat to Brazil, finishing bottom of its group. Turkey (rank 22) followed on the same day, losing 2‑0 to Australia and 1‑0 to Paraguay, which left the Turks with zero points. Tunisia (rank 45) was the first team to suffer a double‑digit defeat on June 21, losing 5‑1 to Sweden and 4‑0 to Japan before the group concluded. Ghana (rank 65) became the fourth team eliminated under the new tie‑breaker, falling 1‑0 to Panama and 1‑0 to Croatia on June 23, despite a higher FIFA ranking.

Group‑Stage Eliminations In June

Iraq (rank 63) was ousted on June 23 after a 4‑1 loss to Norway, a 3‑0 defeat to France and a 5‑0 loss to Senegal. Panama (rank 42) suffered the same 1‑0 setbacks to Ghana and Croatia on the same day. Qatar (rank 61) fell 6‑0 to Canada and 3‑1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24. Czechia (rank 48) dropped 2‑1 to South Korea and 3‑0 to Mexico on June 24. Curacao (rank 90) was crushed 7‑1 by Germany and 1‑0 by Cape Verde on June 25. Uruguay (rank 16) edged past Cape Verde 2‑2 and Saudi Arabia 1‑1 before a 1‑0 loss to Spain on June 26. Saudi Arabia (rank 58) also exited on June 26 after a 4‑0 defeat to Spain, a 1‑1 draw with Uruguay and a 0‑0 tie with Cape Verde. New Zealand (rank 86) slipped out on the same day with a 2‑2 draw versus Iran, a 3‑1 loss to Egypt and a 5‑1 defeat to Belgium. Scotland (rank 42) saw its campaign end on June 27 with a 1‑0 loss to Morocco and a 3‑0 beating by Brazil. Uzbekistan (rank 60) crashed out after a 3‑1 win over Colombia, a 5‑0 loss to Portugal and a 3‑1 defeat to DR Congo on June 27. South Korea (rank 31) also exited on June 27, losing 1‑0 to Mexico and 1‑0 to South Africa. Iran (rank 21) finished with three 1‑1 or 0‑0 draws – against Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand – on June 27. Jordan (rank 73) was the last group‑stage casualty on June 27, suffering 3‑1 losses to Austria, Algeria and Argentina.

Round Of 32 Knockouts

The first knockout exit arrived on June 28 when South Africa (rank 54) fell 1‑0 to Canada in a tight Round of 32 clash. Japan (rank 17) followed a day later, losing 2‑1 to Brazil before Germany (rank 10) and the Netherlands (rank 8) both fell in penalty shootouts to Paraguay and Morocco respectively. Ivory Coast (rank 33), Sweden (rank 38) and Ecuador (rank 13) all departed on June 30 after defeats to Norway, France and Mexico, ending their World Cup hopes. The first day of July saw DR Congo (rank 41) and Senegal (rank 18) eliminated, with the Congolese losing 2‑1 to England and the Senegalese bowing 3‑2 in extra time to Belgium; Bosnia and Herzegovina (rank 61) also crashed out, falling 2‑0 to the United States; Austria (rank 23) was the next victim, losing 3‑0 to Spain; Croatia (rank 23) slipped past a penalty shoot‑out to Portugal; Algeria (rank 29) was the final group‑stage qualifier to fall, losing 2‑0 to Switzerland; Australia (rank 28) and Cape Verde (rank 64) rounded out the knockout round with a 1‑1 draw against Egypt (ended 4‑2 on penalties) and a 3‑2 extra‑time victory over Argentina respectively; Ghana (rank 65) was also listed among the final Round of 32 teams per the source.

Round Of 16 Eliminations

Co‑hosts Canada (rank 30) were the first Round of 16 victims on July 4, falling 3‑0 to Morocco in a disciplined performance. Paraguay (rank 34) followed the same day, losing 1‑0 to France in a tense encounter that saw several cautions. Brazil (rank 5) suffered a shock 2‑1 defeat to Norway on July 5, with Erling Haaland starring for the Norwegians. Mexico (rank 10) also crashed out on July 5, losing 3‑2 to England after a comeback that fell short. Portugal (rank 7) bid the tournament farewell on July 6, surrendering a 1‑0 loss to Spain in a tightly contested clash. United States (rank 16) were eliminated on July 6 by Belgium, losing 4‑1 in a game dominated by the Belgian attack. Egypt (rank 24) and Colombia (rank 11) rounded out the Round of 16 on July 7; Egypt fell 3‑2 to Argentina, while Colombia were edged out 0‑0 before losing 4‑3 on penalties to Switzerland.

Quarterfinal Showdown

France dispatched Morocco 2‑0 on July 9, ending Morocco’s historic run and sending the North Africans home as the tournament’s first quarterfinal loser. Belgium were ousted by Spain on July 10, losing 2‑1 after a competitive duel that highlighted Spain’s attacking flair. England progressed past Norway in extra time on July 11, winning 2‑1 and booking a spot in the semifinals. Argentina and Switzerland fought a dramatic extra‑time clash on July 11, with Argentina emerging 3‑1 victors after a hard‑fought performance.

Third‑Place Teams Advancement

In this expanded tournament, the eight best teams that finish third in their group also progress to the Round of 32. The third‑place teams are ranked first by points in the group stage, then by goal difference, goals scored and the highest “team conduct score” before any further tie‑breakers are applied. This rule adds an extra layer of intrigue, allowing solid middle‑tier nations to stay alive even after a third‑place finish.

Road To Final – What Remains

With France, Spain, England and Argentina standing, the semifinals will set up two classic clashes that promise high‑stakes football. France, the defending champion, will face either England or Argentina, both of whom have shown resilience and attacking talent throughout the knockout stages. Spain’s experience and tactical discipline could dictate a showdown against Argentina, while England’s youthful energy may offer an alternative narrative in the other semifinal. Fans can also track the evolving third‑place race, where eight best third‑finishers from the group phase now compete for a prestigious knockout berth, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament.