2026 World Cup quarter-finals left without historic champions
By the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, the tournament's most decorated national teams have been eliminated.
Five-time champions Brazil and four-time winners Germany were knocked out in the knockout stages, while Italy failed to qualify for the tournament entirely. Among the most successful teams, only Argentina remains in contention for the title.
Brazil stopped by Norway
The Brazilian national team faced Norway in the Round of 16 and lost 1-2.
The 'Pentacampeões' are the most decorated team in World Cup history, having won the title five times:
1958;
1962;
1970;
1994;
2002.
However, at the 2026 World Cup, Norway, led by Erling Haaland, prevented the Brazilians from reaching the quarter-finals.
Germany lost on penalties
Four-time world champion Germany's tournament ended even earlier.
The Germans drew 1-1 with Paraguay in the Round of 32 after regular and extra time, but lost 3-4 in the penalty shootout.
Germany won the World Cup in the following years:
1954;
1974;
1990;
2014.
Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup again
Four-time world champions Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals entirely.
The 'Squadra Azzurra' were world champions in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006. However, Italy is missing its third consecutive World Cup.
This situation is seen as a serious crisis for one of the most decorated teams in football history.
Uruguay failed to advance from the group stage
The first-ever World Cup winner and two-time champion Uruguay also left the tournament early.
The South Americans, who won the title in 1930 and 1950, failed to progress past the group stage this time.
Argentina is still in the race
Among the most decorated teams, Argentina continues its participation in the 2026 World Cup.
The 'Albiceleste' were world champions in 1978, 1986, and 2022. The reigning champions are now fighting for their fourth star.
Thus, Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Uruguay are absent from the quarter-finals. The football map is changing: old giants are sidelined, and new contenders are ready to make history.
Comments 0
…