After two rounds of group matches, five nations have already left the 2026 World Cup. Of the 48 entrants, 16 will be eliminated when the group stage ends early Sunday (BST). The five ousted sides lost both opening games, joining the bottom‑place finishers and the four worst third‑placed teams that will also depart, tightening the race for the remaining slots.

Haiti confirmed its first World Cup appearance since 1974 after defeats to Scotland and Brazil. Turkey became the first European side out, falling to Australia and Paraguay. Tunisia is the sole African nation eliminated, suffering 4‑0 losses against Sweden and Japan. Debutants Jordan are the only Asian team mathematically doomed, while Panama bowed out following 1‑0 defeats by Ghana and Croatia.

The tournament’s new format gives head‑to‑head results priority over goal difference when teams tie on points. That rule could reshuffle the race for the four best third‑place slots, keeping several groups alive despite early losses. Teams with a single win can still leapfrog rivals, making every goal crucial as the deadline approaches.