Five nations have been knocked out of the 2026 World Cup following the conclusion of the first two rounds of group stage play, leaving 43 sides still in contention as the tournament approaches its critical third matchday.

Of the 48 nations who entered the competition, 16 will have departed by the time the group stage wraps up in the early hours of Sunday morning (BST). Teams finishing at the bottom of their respective groups are guaranteed elimination, along with the four third-placed sides carrying the worst records across the group stage.

The five eliminated nations

Haiti become only the second time the Caribbean nation has featured at a World Cup — their first appearance came in 1974 — but their return ended swiftly. Successive defeats against Scotland and Brazil in Group C confirmed their exit.

Turkey are the first European side to be eliminated, falling to back-to-back losses against Australia and Paraguay. Their campaign never recovered from the opening-round setback.

Tunisia are the sole African nation whose fate is already sealed. The North Africans suffered heavy four-goal defeats in both of their matches, going down to Sweden and Japan respectively — a brutal group stage campaign by any measure.

Jordan, competing at the World Cup for the first time, are the only Asian side already mathematically eliminated. The tournament debutants were unable to secure a point across their opening two fixtures.

Panama complete the list of early departures in Group L, where they fell to 1-0 defeats against both Ghana and Croatia, ending their involvement in the competition before the final round of group matches.

Tiebreaker rule change at this World Cup

This edition of the World Cup introduced a significant format adjustment: head-to-head records now serve as the primary tiebreaker for teams level on points, replacing goal difference in that role. The change could prove decisive as the group stage reaches its final round.