Teams Eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2026: Updated List of Nations Out of the Tournament

The expanded format of the 2026 FIFA World Cup means more teams have a shot at advancing beyond the group stage than in previous tournaments. With 48 teams instead of 32, an extra knockout round was added, allowing all but 16 teams to continue after the groups.

Still, some nations have faced early exits. Below is a current list of teams whose campaigns have ended.

Teams Confirmed Eliminated So Far

Because eight of the best third-place finishers also move on, most eliminations aren't confirmed until the last group matches are played. Yet by June 23, several teams were definitely out.

Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, and Panama were among the earliest to bow out. Their fates were partly sealed due to new tie-break rules that rank teams based on head-to-head results if points are tied.

For example, Haiti lost 1-0 to Scotland and 3-0 to Brazil, so even if they reach three points later, they cannot surpass Brazil or Morocco in Group C. If tied on points with Scotland, Haiti would still finish below them because Scotland won their direct encounter.

Understanding the Tie-Break Rules

FIFA outlined the group-stage tie-break criteria as follows:

• Head-to-head results between tied teams
• Goal difference in those head-to-head games
• Goals scored in those head-to-head games
• If still tied, overall goal difference in all group matches
• Goals scored across all group matches
• Team conduct score, calculated from yellow and red cards
• If no separation, the higher-ranked team in the latest FIFA rankings

How Third-Place Teams Can Advance

Eight of the best third-place finishers will also make the Round of 32. They are ranked by:

• Points earned in the group
• Goal difference
• Goals scored
• Team conduct score
• FIFA ranking

More About the Expanded Tournament

Since 1998, the World Cup had featured 32 nations, but starting this year, the field grew to 48. That added four groups in the initial phase and a new knockout round, the Round of 32. The eventual champion will play eight matches total.