2026 World Cup eliminations rise to six as Uzbekistan and Panama exit after group-stage defeats in expanded Round of 32 format

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen its first wave of exits confirmed, with Uzbekistan and Panama among six teams eliminated following the conclusion of their second group-stage matches in a tournament format that now includes a Round of 32.

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Uzbekistan’s elimination was confirmed after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Portugal, following an earlier 3-1 loss to Colombia. The result ended a difficult debut campaign for the Central Asian side, who had entered the tournament with hopes of making an impression on football’s biggest stage.

Panama also bowed out after back-to-back defeats, losing 1-0 to both Croatia and Ghana in Group I. Despite competitive performances, the Central American nation were unable to secure a point, sealing their early exit.

The two teams join Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia and Jordan, whose eliminations have already been confirmed after failing to accumulate enough points in their respective groups.

The expanded structure of the tournament, which now allows the eight best third-placed teams to progress to the Round of 32, has added an additional layer of complexity to qualification scenarios. However, for the six already eliminated nations, the group stage proved decisive and unforgiving.

Uzbekistan’s exit will be particularly disappointing given their historic qualification for their first World Cup appearance. Their campaign, however, was marked by defensive struggles and difficulty coping with higher-ranked opposition.

Panama, meanwhile, had been hoping to replicate past World Cup competitiveness but were undone by narrow margins in closely contested matches that ultimately went against them.

As the group stage continues, attention now turns to which third-placed teams can take advantage of the expanded qualification system to progress further in the tournament.

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The early exits underline the intensity of the World Cup, where even marginal defeats can determine a nation’s fate, regardless of format expansion or competitive improvement.