The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching its conclusion, and several nations have already seen their tournament dreams come to an end. With the expanded 48-team format allowing the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed sides to progress, competition has been fierce across North America.
Among the first teams eliminated were Haiti, Turkey and Tunisia, all of whom failed to collect enough points from their opening matches to remain in contention for the Round of 32. Haiti became the tournament’s first officially eliminated nation after defeats to Scotland and Brazil.
Jordan also exited the competition after consecutive losses in Group J, while Panama’s campaign ended following defeats to Ghana and Croatia. Curaçao joined the list after a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast in their final group-stage fixture.
As the final group matches are played, more teams are expected to be eliminated while the race for the remaining knockout-stage places intensifies. Traditional football powers including Brazil, Argentina, France and Germany have already secured progression, while several host nations continue to impress on home soil.
