Early exits at World Cup 2026: explained

At the 2026 World Cup, some teams are already heading home before the group stage has even finished, thanks to a little-known change in FIFA rules. The tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, is the first to feature 48 teams instead of the usual 32. To accommodate this expansion, FIFA altered the format: instead of the traditional eight groups of four teams, the 2026 edition has 12 groups of four. But the knockout stage still includes 32 teams, meaning not all group winners and runners-up qualify automatically. Instead, the top two from each group advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams. This change creates a more complex path to the round of 16, and for the first time, some teams are mathematically eliminated before playing their third group match. For example, teams that lose their opening two games can be knocked out early if other results go against them. The new system has drawn criticism from fans and pundits who argue it dilutes the tournament's drama, but FIFA says it gives more nations a chance to compete.