Brazil, Germany and Italy miss World Cup quarter‑finals for first time

For the first time in World Cup history, none of the three most‑titular nations – Brazil, Germany and Italy – will be among the eight teams in the quarter‑finals of the 2026 tournament.

Brazil, five‑time champion, was eliminated in the round of 16 by Norway (2‑1). Germany, four‑time champion, went out in the same stage after losing to Paraguay on penalties. Italy, four‑time champion, failed to qualify altogether after a playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Together the three nations hold 13 titles, and their simultaneous absence marks a historic shift in the balance of power, opening the competition to emerging teams and reshaping expectations for the remainder of the tournament.