Tunisia became the third team eliminated from World Cup 2026 in the early hours of Sunday morning, bundled out after just two group-stage matches under a newly introduced FIFA rule that prioritises head-to-head points over goal difference.
Haiti were the first to go. Making their first appearance since 1974, they lost 1-0 to Scotland and then 3-0 to Brazil. A new FIFA rule change means that if teams finish level on points, head-to-head results are now the first tiebreaker, not goal difference. Because Haiti lost to Scotland, they cannot leapfrog them even if they beat Morocco and Scotland lose heavily – they are condemned to fourth in Group C.
“Haiti, Turkey and Tunisia eliminated after two group games under new FIFA head-to-head rule”
Turkey followed. Despite fanfare around their potential, they fell 2-0 to Australia and then 1-0 to Paraguay. Both Australia and Paraguay sit on three points, with the USA topping the group on six. Turkey lost to both, so they too cannot finish above them under the new rule.
Tunisia were the latest. They began with a 5-1 defeat to Sweden, then Japan thrashed them 4-0. Unable to finish above Sweden on head-to-head points, they are out.
Meanwhile, Mexico, Germany and the United States have already qualified for the knockout rounds. The tournament – the biggest World Cup in history with 48 teams – is being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. In the UK, 54 matches are shown live on the BBC, including the final on 19 July, with 92 games on BBC Sounds and every match covered on the BBC Sport website and app. ITV also shares coverage.
With the expanded group stage now in full swing, four more matches are scheduled on day 10. For three teams, the tournament is already over.