The group phase of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup is now complete, meaning 16 teams have been eliminated and 32 nations have earned their spots in the knockout rounds.
Although widening the tournament from 32 to 48 participants has opened the door for more countries to chase football’s biggest prize, the early schedule has already ended the campaigns of a number of sides.
In terms of early departures, Europe (UEFA) recorded the lowest number of exits among the major confederations. Asia (AFC), however, suffered the most severe blow, with seven of its nine teams eliminated before the knockout stage.
Below is the complete list of teams knocked out at the group stage, sorted by confederation.
- Asian Football Confederation (AFC) – 7 teams eliminated
- Confederation of African Football (CAF) – 1 team eliminated
- Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) – 3 teams eliminated
- Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) – 3 teams eliminated
- South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) – 1 team eliminated
- Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) – 1 team eliminated
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) – 7 teams eliminated
The AFC brought nine representatives to the tournament, but only Australia and Japan managed to advance to the Round of 32.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) – 1 team eliminated
Africa produced one of its strongest World Cup showings, with eight of its nine teams moving on to the knockout phase.
Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) – 3 teams eliminated
UEFA arrived at the tournament with a record 16 teams and continues to be the most represented confederation in the Round of 32 after just three nations failed to progress.
Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) – 3 teams eliminated
Three CONCACAF countries were eliminated during the group stage, leaving the United States, Canada and Mexico as the confederation’s remaining representatives.
South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) – 1 team eliminated
South America again impressed, with five of its six teams advancing past the group stage.
Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) – 1 team eliminated
New Zealand, the only team from Oceania at the tournament, did not make it through to the knockout rounds.
With 32 teams still competing, UEFA is leading the remaining field with 13 nations, ahead of CAF (eight), CONMEBOL (five), CONCACAF (three) and AFC (two), as the race to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy continues.
