Updated List of Teams Eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup offers more teams the chance to move beyond the group stage than previous tournaments. With the expansion from 32 to 48 teams, an extra knockout round has been added, meaning only 16 teams will be eliminated immediately after groups.

Still, some nations have already seen their hopes dashed. The list below shows those whose World Cup 2026 campaigns have ended early.

Current Eliminated Teams

Early exits for teams like Haiti, Turkey, Ghana, and Tunisia are partly due to a new tie-breaker rule. Teams tied on points in the group are ranked based on head-to-head records against each other rather than overall goal difference first.

For example, Haiti lost both matches against Scotland and Brazil. Even if they earn points later, they cannot surpass those teams because Scotland holds the head-to-head advantage.

World Cup Group Tie-Breaking Rules

FIFA set clear criteria for ranking teams level on points at the end of group play:

• Results in games between tied teams
• Goal difference in those games
• Goals scored in those games
• Goal difference across all group matches
• Goals scored in all group matches
• Team conduct score based on cards received
• FIFA ranking as a last resort

Advancing Third-Place Teams

This year, eight of the twelve third-place teams from the groups will also advance to the Round of 32. They will be ranked using points, goal difference, goals scored, conduct, and FIFA ranking.

Tournament Structure and Expansion

The 2026 World Cup is the first with 48 teams. This adds four groups and one extra knockout round compared to past tournaments. The champion will need to play eight matches to win the title.