The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup, featuring more participating teams, has already determined the first nations to both qualify and be eliminated from contention. This outcome is a direct result of the new system implemented for this edition of the tournament. While qualification processes are still underway in many regions, some teams’ fates have been sealed due to the altered qualification pathways. The specific teams affected have not been named in this report, but the news highlights the immediate impact of the format change. This marks the first time teams have been definitively excluded so early in the qualification cycle. The changes were intended to broaden global representation in the tournament, but have also created early certainty for some national programs. Further details regarding specific teams will emerge as qualification continues.