FIFA Rule Change Accelerates Early Exits
The 2026 World Cup, expanded from 32 to 48 teams, features 12 groups of four with the top two and best eight third-placed teams advancing to a new round of 32. A less-publicised FIFA decision to prioritise head-to-head records over goal difference as the principal tiebreaker has mathematically eliminated several nations before the final group matches.
First Casualty: Haiti
Haiti, appearing in only their second World Cup and first since 1974, became the first team confirmed out after losses to Scotland (1-0) and Brazil (3-1) in Group C.
Turkey's Shock Exit
Turkey, quarter-finalists at Euro 2024 and playing their first World Cup since finishing third in 2002, were eliminated after 2-0 and 1-0 defeats to Australia and Paraguay. Despite registering 62 shots without scoring, their early exit prompted apologies from Real Madrid's Arda Guler and raised doubts over coach Vincenzo Montella's future. Paraguay played with 10 men after Miguel Almiron's red card for covering his mouth while talking to an opponent, a new FIFA rule.
Tunisia's Group Stage Curse Continues
Tunisia exited after a 5-1 loss to Sweden and a 4-0 defeat to Japan in Group F. The 5-1 thrashing led to the sacking of coach Sabri Lamouchi and appointment of Herve Renard, but the change yielded no improvement. Tunisia have now exited at the group stage in all seven World Cup appearances, including the last three consecutive tournaments.
Other Eliminated Nations
Jordan's World Cup debut ended after a 3-1 loss to Austria and a 2-1 defeat by Algeria in Group J. Panama, who face England on Saturday, were eliminated after consecutive 1-0 losses to Ghana and Croatia. Czechia finished bottom of Group A with a single point after a 3-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico. Qatar's fate was sealed with a 3-1 loss to Bosnia & Herzegovina, despite a late equaliser against Switzerland earlier.
