Traditional powers experienced a harsh World Cup campaign in 2026, as four established giants left the tournament much earlier than anticipated. Germany, a team used to deep runs, failed to top its group and finished only third. That position pushed the side into a Round of 32 tie, where it was held by Paraguay over regular and extra time before losing in a penalty shootout.
The Netherlands encountered a similar fate in the same phase of the competition. Drawn against Morocco in the Round of 32, the Dutch were unable to settle the contest within open play. The match moved to spot kicks, and Morocco prevailed in the shootout, sending another European heavyweight home before the later knockout rounds could even begin.
For South American powerhouse Brazil, the road ended in the Round of 16. The five-time champions were edged 2-1 by Norway, a result that underlined how narrow the margins were for even the most decorated sides. Portugal also exited in the Round of 16, losing 1-0 to Spain in a tightly contested encounter. That defeat did more than close a campaign; it marked the last World Cup appearance for Cristiano Ronaldo with the Iberian team, adding a significant emotional layer to an already painful early elimination.
