The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end, bringing the tournament journey to a close for 16 nations that failed to advance to the Round of 32.
Several high-profile teams were among those eliminated, including Tunisia, Uruguay, Türkiye, Korea Republic and Scotland. Tournament newcomers Uzbekistan and Curaçao also saw their campaigns end despite producing commendable performances during their maiden appearances on football’s biggest stage.
African teams enjoyed a particularly successful group phase, with nine of the continent’s 10 representatives securing qualification for the knockout rounds.
Tunisia stood out as the only African side unable to progress, finishing at the bottom of Group F without collecting a single point.
The countries eliminated at the conclusion of the group stage are:
Haiti
Tunisia
Türkiye
Jordan
Panama
Qatar
Czechia
Curaçao
Iraq
Uruguay
Saudi Arabia
New Zealand
Scotland
Uzbekistan
Korea Republic
IR Iran
A number of teams departed the competition despite showing promise in their group matches.
Scotland narrowly missed qualification after ending third in Group C but failing to earn one of the available places for the best third-placed teams.
IR Iran’s campaign also ended in disappointment, as three consecutive draws left them unbeaten yet outside the knockout bracket.
Uruguay’s elimination was among the tournament’s biggest surprises. The South American side, which has reached the latter stages of previous World Cups, finished third in Group H with just two points.
Korea Republic likewise failed to advance after placing behind Mexico and South Africa in Group A.
Attention now shifts to the knockout rounds, which begin on Sunday, as the remaining 32 teams continue their quest for World Cup glory in the first 48-team edition of the tournament.
