The joint hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States of America (USA), Mexico, and Canada, have all been eliminated from the competition after the USA lost to Belgium 4-1 in the Round of 16 on Monday, July 6, 2026.
All three of the co-hosts, who had all advanced to the knockout stage but were unable to advance to the quarterfinals, had a terrible performance, and the loss at Lumen Field in Seattle ended the host nation’s final remaining campaign.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to use an expanded 48-team format and to be jointly hosted by three nations.
According to Naija News, Canada was the first of the three host countries to withdraw after losing to Morocco 3-0 on Saturday, July 4, in the Round of 16.
Azzedine Ounahi of Morocco scored twice, followed by a late goal from Soufiane Rahimi to ensure a convincing win.
Alphonso Davies, Canada’s standout winger, had health problems that limited the team’s options during the tournament, which also had an impact on the team’s campaign.
After losing 3-2 to England at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday, Mexico was eliminated from the competition along with Canada.
More than 80,000 people watched the game, but Mexico was unable to capitalize on their home crowd.
In the first half, Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds, and after England was reduced to 10 men, Harry Kane scored a penalty.
Mexico’s hopes of making it to the quarterfinals for the first time since hosting the competition in 1986 were dashed by the loss.
Rafael Marquez, Javier Aguirre’s assistant, is anticipated to take over as Mexico’s coach after his departure.
In Seattle, Belgium Thrashes USA
Belgium won 4-1 in Seattle on Monday, making the United States of America team the final of the three co-hosts to be eliminated from the competition.
The loss came after a contentious pre-match build-up that was dominated by US President Donald Trump’s remarks about the game and the reinstatement of US player Folarin Balogun following an earlier red-card ban.
None of the host countries would advance to the quarterfinals thanks to Belgium’s convincing victory.
Non-host Countries Rule the Final Eight
Commencing on June 11, the 2026 World Cup is being held in 16 cities, including two in Canada, three in Mexico, and eleven in the United States.
The final is set for July 19 to conclude the competition.
Now that the co-hosts have been eliminated, only non-host countries remain in the quarterfinal field.
Morocco, France, Norway, Spain, Belgium, England, and Argentina are among the teams left in the running; Egypt or Switzerland and Colombia are predicted to finish in the final spots.
