Sixteen nations have seen their FIFA World Cup desires come to an early finish after failing to qualify for the inaugural Spherical of 32 on the 2026 match.
Whereas 32 groups booked their locations within the knockout part, one other 16 nations had been left to mirror on missed alternatives after the group stage concluded.
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Largest disappointments
Among the many greatest disappointments had been Czech Republic, who collected only one level in Group A after a draw with South Africa and defeats to South Korea and Mexico.
South Korea, regardless of beating the Czech Republic of their opener, missed qualification after a slim defeat to South Africa and didn’t progress as the most effective third-placed groups.
Hosts Mexico and South Africa superior from Group A, with Bafana Bafana making historical past by reaching the knockout rounds for the primary time.
Different groups eradicated had been Qatar, Scotland, Haiti, Turkey, Curacao, Tunisia, Iran, New Zealand, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and Panama.
Spectacular performances
Some nations exited regardless of producing spectacular performances through the group stage, highlighting simply how aggressive the expanded 48-team match has develop into.
A number of of the eradicated sides pushed heavyweight opponents all the way in which however had been finally undone by slim defeats, objective distinction or outcomes elsewhere.
Hopes had been dented
When it comes to Africa, 9 of the ten groups to have certified reached the Spherical of 32 – a exceptional achievement. Solely Senegal missed out on reaching the knockout phases.
Likewise, Asian hopes had been dented following the eliminations of Qatar, Iran, Iraq and Jordan, whereas South Korea’s exit got here as one of many greatest surprises after opening the match with a victory.
Consideration now turns to the Spherical of 32, the place the remaining groups will battle for locations within the final 16 because the race to elevate soccer’s greatest prize intensifies.
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