At least three Nations have already been mathematically eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after just two group-stage matches, highlighting the unforgiving nature of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Tunisia became the latest team to exit following a comprehensive 4-0 defeat to Japan in Group F at Estadio Monterrey. Goals from Daichi Kamada, a stunning looping header and another strike by Ayase Ueda, and Junya Ito sealed a dominant performance by the Samurai Blue. The result left the Carthage Eagles with zero points from two matches after an earlier 5-1 thrashing by Sweden, making it impossible for them to reach the Round of 32.
Tunisia now joins Haiti and Turkey in an early exit. Haiti, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, were the first team eliminated after defeats to Scotland and Brazil. Turkey followed after back-to-back losses to Australia and Paraguay, ending their campaign despite pre-tournament optimism.
Tunisia will play their final group fixture against the Netherlands, but their fate is already sealed. The early eliminations underscore how quickly teams can be knocked out in the revamped format, with Japan now well-positioned alongside the Dutch at the top of Group F.
The Countries eliminated serve as a stark reminder that every match carries immense weight in the race to advance from the group stage of the World Cup.