The United States, Mexico and Canada, the three co‑hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have all been knocked out of the tournament after the United States suffered a 4‑1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16.
How the Hosts Fell Short
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Belgium’s victory at Lumen Field in Seattle on July 6, 2026, ended the last remaining host nation’s run. Earlier, Mexico lost 3‑2 to England at the iconic Estadio Azteca, while Canada’s campaign was hampered by injuries to star winger Alphonso Davies.
Tournament Format and Historical Context
The 2026 edition marks the first World Cup hosted jointly by three nations and the first to expand to 48 teams. Despite the expanded format, none of the co‑hosts managed to advance beyond the round of 16.
Remaining Quarter‑Final Contenders
With the hosts out, the quarter‑final line‑up consists entirely of non‑host nations: Morocco, France, Norway, Spain, Belgium, England and Argentina. The final two spots are expected to be filled by either Egypt or Switzerland and Colombia.
What This Means for the Hosts
The early exit raises questions about the legacy of the joint hosting model and the impact of injuries and tactical decisions on the teams’ performances. All three federations will now review their campaigns as they look ahead to future international competitions.
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