As of July 1, 2026, several traditional European football powers have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament, which began on June 11, 2026, has seen surprising results in the group stage.
Teams such as Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands failed to advance to the knockout rounds, marking a significant shift in global football dynamics. This is the first World Cup with 48 teams, expanding from 32, which has allowed more nations to compete.
The elimination of these 'Old Europe' teams has sparked discussions about the changing landscape of international football, with emerging nations showing stronger performances. The knockout stage continues with matches scheduled through the final on July 19, 2026.
