World Cup 2026: List of eliminated teams after two rounds of group games

The race to reach the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup is already over for five nations, with Panama becoming the latest side mathematically eliminated after just two rounds of group-stage matches.

With the expanded 48-team tournament entering a decisive phase, the first confirmed casualties have emerged.

By the conclusion of the group stage, 16 teams will have been knocked out, but five countries have already seen their campaigns come to an end after suffering defeats in both of their opening fixtures.

The new tournament format has added extra complexity to qualification scenarios, with head-to-head records now taking precedence over goal difference when teams finish level on points.

Panama’s Group L hopes extinguished

In Group L, Panama became the latest nation eliminated after back-to-back 1-0 defeats against Ghana and Croatia. The results left them unable to climb into the qualification positions, ending their hopes of progressing to the last 32.

Their exit follows a difficult start in which goals proved hard to come by, while defensive resilience alone was not enough to keep their World Cup adventure alive.

Africa, Asia and Europe suffer early casualties

Tunisia are currently the only African side guaranteed to leave the tournament at the group stage. Heavy 5-1 and 4-0 defeats against Sweden and Japan respectively sealed their fate, making them the continent’s first confirmed elimination.

Asia has also lost one representative, with tournament debutants Jordan unable to advance after consecutive defeats against Austria and Algeria in Group J.

Meanwhile, Turkey became the first European nation officially eliminated. Successive losses to Australia and Paraguay ensured there would be no route back into contention for the Crescent-Stars.

Haiti’s long-awaited return ends in disappointment

For Haiti, their first World Cup appearance since 1974 has ended in heartbreak. Defeats against Scotland and Brazil in Group C confirmed their elimination before the final round of fixtures.

The Caribbean nation had hoped to mark its long-awaited return with a memorable run, but a difficult group proved too much to overcome.

Teams eliminated from the 2026 World Cup so far:

• Haiti
• Turkey
• Tunisia
• Jordan
• Panama