The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended, with 16 teams eliminated after failing to qualify for the Round of 32.

Among the biggest casualties are the Tunisia national football team, Uruguay national football team, Turkey national football team, South Korea national football team and Scotland national football team, all of whom fell short of progressing to the knockout stage.

Tournament debutants, the Uzbekistan national football team and Curaçao national football team, also bowed out despite spirited performances.

The 16 teams eliminated after the group stage are:

Haiti

Tunisia

Turkey

Jordan

Panama

Qatar

Czech Republic

Curaçao

Iraq

Uruguay

Saudi Arabia

New Zealand

Scotland

Uzbekistan

South Korea

Iran

Africa delivered a strong showing, with nine of its 10 representatives advancing to the knockout stage. The Tunisia national football team was the continent’s only team eliminated after finishing bottom of its group without a point.

Despite encouraging performances, several teams fell short. The Scotland national football team placed third in their group but missed out on qualification among the best third-placed teams, while the Iran national football team exited the tournament despite remaining unbeaten with three draws.

The Uruguay national football team also suffered a shock early exit after finishing third in their group with just two points, while the South Korea national football team narrowly missed out after placing third behind stronger opposition.

The competition now moves into the Round of 32, marking the first knockout phase of the expanded tournament, with the remaining teams set to battle for places in the last 16.