2026 World Cup: Updated Breakdown Of Teams Eliminated Across All Continents So Far

According to Ireporter Online, the group stage of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded with 16 nations eliminated and 32 teams advancing to the knockout phase of the tournament.

The competition, which has been increased from 32 to 48 participating teams, has provided wider global representation on football’s biggest stage. However, several countries have now ended their campaigns after failing to progress beyond the group stage.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recorded the highest number of exits, with seven of its nine representatives bowing out. Only Australia and Japan managed to secure places in the Round of 32. The eliminated AFC teams include South Korea, Qatar, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia.

Africa, meanwhile, enjoyed a strong showing, with eight of its nine teams advancing to the knockout round. However, South Africa exited the competition after a narrow 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32, leaving Tunisia as the only African team eliminated at the group stage.

Europe, despite fielding a record 16 teams, saw only three nations crash out, with Scotland, Czechia and Türkiye unable to progress.

In the CONCACAF region, Haiti, Cape Verde and Panama were eliminated, although the United States, Canada and Mexico remain in contention.

South America continued its strong tradition at the tournament, with five of its six teams advancing, as Uruguay bowed out. Oceania’s sole representative, New Zealand, also exited the competition after the group stage.

With the Round of 32 underway, UEFA leads the remaining field with 13 teams, followed by CAF with eight, CONMEBOL with five, CONCACAF with three and AFC with two, as the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy intensifies.