Teams Eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2026: Updated List
The 2026 World Cup offers more teams a chance to advance beyond the group stage than in past tournaments. The increase to 48 teams from 32 introduces an additional knockout round, meaning only 16 teams will be eliminated after the group phase.
Still, some teams have already seen their campaigns end early. Here's a current list of those knocked out from the tournament as of June 26, 2026.
Confirmed Eliminations
Haiti, Turkey, Ghana, and Tunisia were the earliest to exit. A new tiebreaker rule influenced these results: when teams tie on points, their head-to-head record determines the rankings. For example, Haiti's losses to Scotland and Brazil mean even if they earn points later, they can't surpass those teams due to the direct matchup results.
World Cup Group Stage Tiebreakers
FIFA's system ranks teams level on points by:
- Head-to-head results among tied teams
- Goal difference in those matches
- Goals scored in those matches
- If still tied, overall goal difference
- Overall goals scored
- Fair play score (yellow/red cards)
- Latest FIFA rankings as last resort
Advancement Rules for Third-Place Teams
Eight of the best third-place teams also move forward to the Round of 32. Their ranking depends on:
- Points earned
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Fair play score
- FIFA ranking
Expanded Tournament Structure
The jump to 48 teams adds four more groups to the first stage and an extra knockout round. The eventual champion will play eight matches total, compared to seven in previous World Cups.
