​Every World Cup ends in a familiar way: one side rises in triumph while the rest endure heartbreak. Moral victories can feel satisfying in the moment, but they rarely carry trophies or long-term glory. The 2026 tournament introduced an expanded bracket, bringing a broader swath of the world onto the world stage and amplifying the drama. As a result, 47 teams will leave with heartbreak this year, while one nation lifts a historic prize. Already, 40 teams have flown home, and eight teams remain alive, hoping to stretch this summer vacation a few more days with a place in the semifinals and beyond.
With the final set for July 19, the summer’s marquee event is nearing its conclusion, even as the on-field action intensifies. Here is a look at the teams that have been eliminated so far and the remaining bracket ahead of the knockout rounds:
Eliminated teams to date include Curacao, the Czech Republic, Jordan, New Zealand, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, South Korea, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Algeria, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Croatia, Ecuador, Germany, Ivory Coast, the Netherlands, Senegal, South Africa, Sweden, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Portugal, and the United States.
Upcoming knockout-stage matches and schedule:
– July 9 (4:00 p.m. ET) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Broadcast on Fox and Telemundo.
– July 10 (3:00 p.m. ET) at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Broadcast on Fox and Telemundo.
– July 11 (5:00 p.m. ET) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Broadcast on Fox and Telemundo.
– July 11 (9:00 p.m. ET) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Broadcast on Fox and Telemundo.
– Quarterfinal matchups: the winner of France-Morocco versus the winner of Belgium-Spain on July 14 at 3:00 p.m. ET in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Broadcast on Fox and Telemundo.
– Quarterfinal matchups: the winner of England-Norway versus the winner of Switzerland-Argentina on July 15 at 3:00 p.m. ET in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Broadcast on Fox and Telemundo.
– Semifinals (Losers) on July 18 at 5:00 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Broadcast on Fox and Telemundo.
– Final on July 19 at 3:00 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Broadcast on Fox and Telemundo.
This piece originally appeared on USA TODAY and provides an updated bracket in advance of the quarterfinals for readers seeking the latest progress and context. Among notable moments already observed is the dramatic 4-2 Uruguay victory over Argentina—the first World Cup event hosted in Uruguay—underscoring the unpredictable magic this tournament has delivered. As teams continue to vie for a spot in the semifinals, fans can expect more twists, late goals, and defining performances as the world’s attention narrows toward the crowning of a champion.