Haiti and Turkey became the first teams eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Although there is still one round left in the group stage, the two teams no longer have any chance of advancing to the knockout stages because of an important change in FIFA regulations.
In this edition of the World Cup, the first tiebreaker criterion became the direct confrontation between the teams tied on points. In previous editions, including the 2022 World Cup, goal difference appeared at the top of the list of criteria.
The change was decisive in enacting that of the Haitians and the Turks.
In Group C, Haiti could still reach the same three points as Scotland if they win their match in the last round. However, the Caribbean team went 1-0 in direct confrontation. This way, even in the case of equal scores, there would be no way to overtake the rival and continue in the dispute for a place among the best third-placed teams.
The situation in Türkiye is similar. The European team has two defeats in two games and could still reach Paraguay or Australia in the final classification. However, the Turks lost precisely to both opponents and are already condemned to the last position in the group regardless of the results of the final round.
If the previous regulation were still in force, both Haiti and Türkiye would have a chance of qualifying. The goal difference could allow the teams to surpass their competitors in an eventual equality of points.
Haiti reached the last round after defeats to Scotland (1-0) and Brazil (3-0). Turkey was beaten by Australia (2-0) and Paraguay (1-0).
In Group C, the competition for places remains open. Brazil and Morocco lead the group with four points each, followed by Scotland with three. Haiti appears at the bottom, without scoring. The final round will define the ranking order, but you can no longer change it in the tournament.
