Czechia and Qatar have become the latest countries to be eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following disappointing results in their final group-stage matches.
Czechia’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage were dashed after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Mexico. Qatar also saw their campaign come to an end after losing 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a crucial encounter.
The two nations now join Uzbekistan, Panama, Haiti, Turkey, Jordan and Tunisia on the list of teams that have already been knocked out of the competition. Their exits mean that eight countries have officially been eliminated as the group stage approaches its final rounds.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition of the tournament to feature an expanded format with 48 teams. Under the new structure, the top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the Round of 32. In addition, the eight best third-placed teams across all groups will also secure places in the knockout stage.
As a result, several teams are still fighting for qualification despite not being in the top two positions in their groups. This has added extra excitement and competition to the tournament, with many countries still hoping to progress.
Several final group matches are scheduled to take place later today and in the coming days.
These fixtures are expected to determine the remaining teams that will advance to the Round of 32, while more countries could see their World Cup dreams come to an end.
Meanwhile, Morocco have already made history by becoming the first African nation to secure qualification for the Round of 32, highlighting the strong performances of African teams at this year’s tournament.
With the knockout stage fast approaching, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the next phase of what has already been an entertaining World Cup.
