The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage has claimed more casualties, with 12 countries officially eliminated from the tournament ahead of Saturday’s final round of group-stage matches.
The latest teams to bow out are Iraq, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand, whose hopes of reaching the Round of 32 ended after disappointing results on Friday.
Senegal cruised to a dominant 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq to finish third in Group I, while Belgium secured a convincing 5-1 win over New Zealand to book their place in the knockout stage.
Uruguay’s campaign came to an end following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain, while Saudi Arabia exited the tournament despite holding Cape Verde to a goalless draw.
With only the final group matches remaining, 16 teams will ultimately fail to qualify for the Round of 32.
The 12 countries already eliminated are:
Haiti
Turkey
Tunisia
Jordan
Panama
Qatar
Czech Republic
Curacao
Iraq
Uruguay
Saudi Arabia
New Zealand
As the group stage draws to a close, the battle for the remaining knockout places promises more drama, with several nations still fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
