Haiti and Türkiye have become the first two countries to be eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering their second defeats of the group stage on Friday.
The exits were confirmed following Haiti's 3-0 loss to Brazil and Turkey's 1-0 defeat to Paraguay, results that left both teams without a point and unable to qualify for the knockout rounds regardless of their final group matches.
The European and North American nations were the two nations were the first sides officially knocked out of the tournament as the race for places in the round of 32 intensified.
In Group C, Brazil produced a dominant display to beat Haiti 3-0. Matheus Cunha scored twice, while Vinicius Junior added another goal as the five-time world champions moved to the top of the group.
The defeat ended Haiti's hopes of reaching the knockout stage in only their second World Cup appearance.
Haiti manager Sebastien Migne praised his players despite the result and their early exit, promising a better performance in their last group game.
Türkiye's elimination came after a narrow defeat to Paraguay in Group D.
Paraguay's Matias Galarza scored after just 64 seconds, the fastest goal of the tournament so far, giving Paraguay a crucial victory.
Paraguay later had Miguel Almiron sent off, but Turkey failed to take advantage despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances.
Reacting to the painful exit, Türkiye midfielder Arda Güler admitted the mood in the camp was sombre, saying, "Everybody's crying."
The expanded 48-team tournament allows more countries a chance to reach the knockout rounds, but Haiti and Turkey became the first casualties of the competition.
Their departures underline the fine margins at the World Cup, where two poor results can quickly end a nation's dream.
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