A little-known FIFA rule change has already forced several nations out of the 2026 World Cup before the final round of group matches. The tournament, expanded from 32 to 48 teams, now features 12 groups of four, with the top two and the eight best third-place finishers advancing to a new round of 32. However, FIFA's decision to use head-to-head records as the primary tiebreaker, ahead of goal difference, has mathematically eliminated teams that would have previously retained a chance.
Haiti First to Exit
The first team officially eliminated was Group C's Haiti, appearing at the World Cup for only the second time and first since 1974. After a spirited 1-0 loss to Scotland in their opener, they fell 3-1 to Brazil in Philadelphia on Saturday, ending their campaign.
Turkey's Shock Departure
Turkey, quarter-finalists at Euro 2024 and playing at the World Cup for the first time since finishing third in 2002, were eliminated after losses to Australia (2-0) and Paraguay (1-0). Despite registering 62 shots across two matches without scoring, they were undone by a second-minute goal from Matias Galarza, with Paraguay playing a half with 10 men after Miguel Almiron's red card for covering his mouth during a confrontation. The early exit prompted emotional apologies from Real Madrid's Arda Guler and cast doubt on coach Vincenzo Montella's future.
Tunisia's Group Stage Curse Continues
Tunisia exited at the group stage for the seventh consecutive World Cup appearance after a 5-1 thrashing by Sweden led to the sacking of coach Sabri Lamouchi. Under replacement Herve Renard, they lost 4-0 to Japan in Monterrey, confirming their elimination. Tunisia have now failed to progress past the group stage in all their World Cup appearances, including the last three tournaments in a row.
