2026 World Cup sees early exits of favored teams

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already produced several surprising early eliminations of teams traditionally viewed as favourites, including Germany and the Netherlands. Analysts and former internationals Steffen Freund, Jan van Halst, and Ümit Aktan explain the pattern as a result of a faster, more intense style of play, reduced dominance over matches, and the physical and mental demands of the tournament schedule. They also point to tighter tactical preparation, efficient defending by mid‑tier teams, and logistical factors such as travel and recovery time that strain squads with less depth.

Commentators note that this trend echoes past World Cups where dominant sides like Hungary (1954), the Netherlands (1974) and Brazil (1982) failed to win despite strong performances. Current favourite France, praised for its blend of youth and experience, is highlighted as a team that could also be vulnerable if the emerging competitive balance persists.