Haiti and Turkey have become the first national teams officially eliminated from contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following recent qualifying matches, neither nation can mathematically advance to the tournament, regardless of remaining results. This marks a disappointing outcome for both teams, who entered the qualifying stages with aspirations of competing on the world stage. The elimination is based on group stage performance and point calculations within the qualifying process. Details regarding specific match results leading to their disqualification have not been widely publicized in this initial announcement. This early exit allows other teams in their respective qualifying groups to solidify their positions and pursue advancement opportunities. Further qualifying matches will continue to determine the remaining teams joining the host nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – in the expanded 48-team tournament.