Who Has Been Eliminated and Why
Five of the seven teams went out the hard way, losing both of their opening group matches without a single point to show for it. Qatar and the Czech Republic managed to salvage draws in their respective campaigns, but both ultimately found themselves at the bottom of their groups after heavy final-match defeats. Qatar fell 3-0 to Mexico, while the Czech Republic were beaten 3-1 by Bosnia, ending any slim hopes either side had of surviving.
Haiti's elimination is one of the more emotionally charged exits, ending the Caribbean nation's first World Cup appearance since 1974 after defeats to both Scotland and Brazil. Turkey became the first European side to be confirmed out, knocked out by back-to-back losses to Australia and Paraguay. Tunisia are the only African side guaranteed to exit at the group stage so far, having conceded four goals in each of their two matches against Sweden and Japan respectively. Jordan joined Qatar as the second Asian nation unable to progress past the group stage. And in Group L, Panama's fate was sealed by 1-0 losses to both Ghana and Croatia.
What Happens Next
With the final round of group matches approaching, the remaining eliminations will become clear. All teams finishing bottom of their groups are automatically out, and the four worst-performing third-placed sides will also be shown the door. One notable rule change at this tournament is worth keeping in mind — head-to-head records, rather than goal difference, now serve as the primary tiebreaker when teams finish level on points, a shift that could yet decide some tight group stage conclusions.
