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Nations Eliminated from the 2026 World Cup So Far

The 2026 World Cup started with 48 countries, but after the group phase, 20 teams have already been sent home. Twelve of these finished last in their groups, while others fell just short in third place or the first knockout round.

Teams Ending Last in Their Groups

  • Czech Republic
  • Qatar
  • Haiti
  • Turkey
  • Curacao
  • Tunisia
  • New Zealand
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Iraq
  • Jordan
  • Uzbekistan
  • Panama

Third-Placed Teams Also Knocked Out

Four more teams were eliminated because they had the poorest records among third-placed sides:

  • Iran
  • South Korea
  • Scotland
  • Uruguay

Knockout Stage Exits in Round of 32

After advancing past the group stage, some established teams bowed out early in the knockouts. These include:

  • South Africa
  • Japan
  • Germany – famously losing on penalties to Paraguay
  • Netherlands

Summary of Eliminated Teams

The shock exit of four-time champions Germany after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay was one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

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