The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, with 16 teams bowing out of the tournament after failing to secure places in the Round of 32.
Among the biggest casualties were Tunisia, Uruguay, Türkiye, Korea Republic and Scotland, while tournament debutants Uzbekistan and Curaçao were also eliminated despite spirited campaigns.
Africa recorded an impressive outing, with nine of its 10 representatives among 32 countries progressing to the knockout stage.
Tunisia was the continent’s only team eliminated after finishing bottom of Group F without a point.
The 16 countries eliminated after the group stage are:
Haiti
Tunisia
Türkiye
Jordan
Panama
Qatar
Czechia
Curaçao
Iraq
Uruguay
Saudi Arabia
New Zealand
Scotland
Uzbekistan
Korea Republic
IR Iran
Several teams exited despite encouraging performances.
Scotland finished third in Group C but missed out on a place among the best third-placed teams, while IR Iran remained unbeaten with three draws but also failed to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Uruguay, semi-finalists in previous editions, suffered a shock early exit after finishing third in Group H with two points.
Korea Republic also fell short after placing third in Group A behind Mexico and South Africa.
The Round of 32 begins on Sunday (today), with the remaining 32 teams battling for places in the last 16 of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup.
Credit: punchng.com
