Teams Eliminated on the Road to the 2026 World Cup: The Dream Ends for Many

The journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, and while some teams are fighting for their spot, others have seen their hopes vanish. With an expanded format of 48 teams and more slots than ever, the competition is fierce, and several nations have already been eliminated from the qualification process.

Eliminated Teams in AFC (Asia)

Asia has the highest number of eliminations so far. 28 teams have been knocked out, including nations like Afghanistan, India, Vietnam, and Syria. The AFC will send eight teams directly to the 2026 World Cup, with one more potentially qualifying via a playoff.

Eliminations in Concacaf

In the Concacaf region, two teams have already been eliminated: U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands. With Canada, Mexico, and the United States already qualified as hosts, the remaining teams are battling for the remaining direct spots and playoff berths.

CONMEBOL and UEFA Yet to See Eliminations

Both South America (CONMEBOL) and Europe (UEFA) have yet to see any teams eliminated. In South America, the qualifiers continue until 2025 in a single league format, with 10 teams competing for six direct spots and one playoff place. Europe’s qualification process will begin in March 2025.

Oceania (OFC): Three Teams Eliminated

In the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), three teams are already out: American Samoa, Cook Islands, and Tonga. For the first time, Oceania is guaranteed one direct spot at the World Cup, with another place available via playoff.

While many teams continue to chase the World Cup dream, others have already seen their journey end. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the largest events in football history, but the road to the tournament is anything but easy.