Teams Eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2026: Updated List

For some North American teams, the 2026 World Cup ended sooner than hoped. The expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams brings more chances to advance beyond the group stage, but not everyone will make it through.

This enlargement means a new knockout round has been added. Now, 16 teams will continue past the groups instead of just eight. Still, disappointment hits hard for those eliminated early or those expected to go far who stumble in the knockouts.

Teams Already Knocked Out

Thanks to the new format, only a few teams were confirmed out before the final group matches finished, because the best eight third-place teams also move on. But by June 23, some nations could no longer progress.

Haiti, Turkey, Ghana, and Tunisia were among the earliest teams sent home. Their exit ties partly to a fresh tiebreak rule: if teams tie on points, head-to-head records decide their rank.

Take Haiti, which lost to Scotland 1-0 and then Brazil 3-0. Even if Haiti earns three points later, they can't overtake Brazil or Morocco in Group C. At best, they'd match Scotland’s points, but Scotland’s win over them means Haiti stays below.

New World Cup Group Tiebreak Rules

FIFA outlined these tie-breaks in April:

• 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, goal difference across all group matches
• Goals scored in all group matches
• Team conduct score (based on cards received)
• If still level, FIFA ranking decides

Third-Place Teams Can Advance

The 2026 format allows the eight best third-place teams to reach the Round of 32. They are ranked by:

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

Details on Tournament Expansion

Since 1998, 32 nations competed in the World Cup. This year, that number rises to 48, with four extra groups and an additional knockout round. The champions will play eight matches, one more than before.