By Stephen Simon
Five countries have become the first teams to be eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the completion of the opening two rounds of group-stage matches.
With the expanded 48-team tournament entering a decisive phase, 16 nations will ultimately be eliminated before the knockout rounds begin. Teams finishing bottom of their groups, along with the four worst-performing third-placed teams, will exit the competition at the group stage.
Among those already confirmed to be heading home is Haiti, whose return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 ended in disappointment after defeats to Scotland and Brazil in Group C.
Turkey became the first European nation to be eliminated after suffering consecutive losses to Australia and Paraguay.
Tunisia are currently the only African side whose exit has been mathematically confirmed. The North Africans endured heavy defeats to both Sweden and Japan, conceding four goals in each match.
Tournament debutants Jordan also saw their hopes of progressing ended after back-to-back defeats, making them the first Asian nation eliminated from the competition.
In Group L, Panama’s campaign came to an early end after narrow 1-0 defeats to Ghana and Croatia.
The 2026 World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams, with FIFA introducing a revised competition format. Under the new rules, head-to-head results serve as the primary tiebreaker for teams level on points, replacing goal difference as the first determining factor.
With one round of group matches remaining, several other nations remain at risk of elimination as the race for places in the knockout stage intensifies.
