The group stage of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, with 16 countries bowing out of the tournament as the Round of 32 gets underway.
Among the biggest casualties are Tunisia, Uruguay, Scotland, Türkiye, Korea Republic and IR Iran, while debutants Uzbekistan and Curaçao also failed to progress despite spirited campaigns.
The 2026 edition, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and a 32-team knockout stage.
Africa emerged as one of the biggest success stories of the group phase, with nine of its 10 representatives advancing to the knockout rounds in a record-setting performance.
Tunisia were the continent’s lone disappointment after finishing bottom of Group F without picking up a point.
The countries eliminated after the group stage are:
- Haiti
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- Jordan
- Panama
- Qatar
- Czechia
- Curaçao
- Iraq
- Uruguay
- Saudi Arabia
- New Zealand
- Scotland
- Uzbekistan
- Korea Republic
- IR Iran
Several teams departed the tournament despite producing commendable displays.
Uruguay’s early exit ranks among the tournament’s biggest shocks. The South American giants finished third in Group H with only two points, bringing an abrupt end to their campaign.
Scotland also fell short after finishing third in Group C but missed out on qualification among the best third-placed teams.
IR Iran suffered a cruel elimination despite going unbeaten in the group stage with three draws, while Korea Republic ended behind Mexico and South Africa in Group A.
Africa’s strong showing continued in the closing stages of the group phase.
DR Congo secured a historic qualification after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta to register their first-ever World Cup victory. Yoane Wissa scored twice, while Fiston Mayele was also on target.
Algeria joined them in the knockout rounds after earning a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria, edging Iran for one of the final Round of 32 places.
Morocco, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal and Cape Verde also progressed, giving Africa an unprecedented nine representatives in the knockout rounds.
The Round of 32 begins on Sunday, with South Africa taking on Canada in Los Angeles.
Other headline fixtures include Morocco versus the Netherlands, Ivory Coast against Norway, England against DR Congo, Belgium against Senegal and Argentina facing Cape Verde.
Brazil will play Japan, Portugal meet Croatia, while France square off against Sweden.
The Round of 16 starts on July 4, with the tournament set to conclude at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
