The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended for more than 80 countries after the conclusion of the September round of qualifiers across the globe.

In Africa alone, 18 nations have already bowed out after finishing with the lowest points in their groups. These include Congo, Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritania, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, The Gambia, Togo, Burundi, and the Central African Republic.

Globally, several other nations have also seen their World Cup dreams cut short. The list spans every continent — from Asia to Oceania, the Caribbean, and South America. Among those eliminated are Tajikistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Yemen, Afghanistan, Philippines, Singapore, Syria, China PR, Korea DPR, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, and Palestine.

The Caribbean and Pacific regions also recorded mass exits, with nations such as Puerto Rico, Samoa, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Guam all crashing out.

Even some traditional footballing nations, including Chile and China PR, will not be part of the expanded 48-team tournament.

The eliminations mark a dramatic stage in the qualifiers, with only the strongest sides now left in the race. Attention will now turn to the upcoming fixtures as teams fight for the limited tickets available to the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.