Recommended Video
Expectations aren’t being met so far for these nations at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is entering its final week, and by the time the next set of matches is completed, the cast for the knockout stage will be set. Across the matches so far, several stars have shown why they’re considered favorites in the tournament. Argentina, France, Spain, and England have all seen their stars step up as expected, giving them momentum as they march toward the knockout rounds.
On the other hand, there are nations that were expected to reestablish their mark on the world stage. Not necessarily favorites or traditional heavyweights, but teams that were supposed to perform better. There have also been debutants who have shocked the world so far and are arguably performing beyond expectations, making the struggles of these established nations even more glaring.
Belgium
The most obvious answer is Belgium. We all know that their golden generation is aging, as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois are now in their 30s. Though they are still showing great quality at the club level and continue to contribute as elite talents, Belgium has struggled on the international level. In the last World Cup, they were ousted in the group stage. It has been downhill since their third-place finish in 2018.
So far, they have drawn twice. First was against Egypt, who are somehow leading the table. And surprisingly, a 0-0 draw against Iran. On paper, Belgium has the superior squad against both teams and should be leading the group. The most shocking part is that they haven’t even produced a single goal themselves. The only goal credited to them against Egypt was an own goal, a lucky break that salvaged a point.
If Belgium wants the final chapter of its golden generation to have a fairytale ending, it will need to rediscover the form it showed in 2018.
Turkey
The group was always going to be difficult. The USA and Australia are both respectable sides with emerging talents throughout their squads.
While Turkey, led by youngster Arda Güler, entered the tournament with expectations of becoming one of its dark horses. With such high expectations, however, they folded under pressure. They went down against Australia, and many fans thought it was just jitters.
Then they lost to Paraguay as well, eliminating them from the tournament. It has been one of the most disappointing campaigns so far. Being eliminated after just two matches, especially in a tournament that expanded to a Round of 32 and offers more qualification opportunities, makes the disappointment even greater.
Uruguay
In their group, Spain was always expected to be the favorite following its impressive UEFA Euro 2024 triumph. Alongside them were Uruguay, with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia rounding out the group. Uruguay remains a strong side, with Fede Valverde leading the way.
Surprisingly, debutants Cape Verde held Spain to a draw thanks to a disciplined defensive performance that kept the reigning European champions scoreless. And for anyone who thought it was a fluke, they also held Uruguay to a draw.
It’s quite worrying that Uruguay also failed to beat Saudi Arabia, whom Spain defeated 4-0 in its second match. As the other former World Cup champion in the group, they were expected to comfortably secure qualification and perhaps even challenge Spain for top spot.
Their next match is against Spain, and they could potentially be eliminated if they fail to address their glaring issues. With so much experience and quality in the squad, crashing out in the group stage would be a major disappointment.
Senegal
It might be unfair to include Senegal on this list, considering they managed to hold France for much of the match and put up a good fight. Les Bleus were simply too strong. Despite that performance, Senegal still seems to be missing the next level that once made them an African powerhouse.
With Norway also in the group, there is a real danger of missing out on the knockout stage if Senegal doesn’t flex its muscles and deliver a result.
The talent is certainly there, but Senegal has yet to show the consistency needed to compete with the world’s best. If they fail to advance, it will feel like a missed opportunity for one of Africa’s most respected footballing nations.
Ecuador
Another side on the verge of missing the knockout stage is Ecuador.
They aren’t necessarily a team that is vastly superior to its opponents, but they definitely possess the quality to upset some of the biggest nations in the tournament. A squad featuring Moises Caicedo, William Pacho, and Enner Valencia is certainly capable of securing at least second place in the group.
The problem has been the attack. Despite holding on for much of the match, they conceded a late winner to Ivory Coast in their opener. They then followed that up with a draw against Curaçao in their second match. Their final group stage game will be against Germany, who scored seven goals against Curaçao.
If Ecuador wants to secure a spot in the knockout rounds, it will have to grind out a result and find goals from somewhere. Otherwise, a squad with this much quality could find itself heading home far earlier than expected.
Banner Images from Belgian Red Devils on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium, Turkey, Uruguay, Senegal, and Ecuador have all fallen short of expectations in the 2026 group stage. Turkey have already been eliminated, while the remaining four are at risk of missing the knockout rounds.
Belgium have drawn twice — against Egypt and Iran — without scoring a single goal of their own. An aging core of De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Courtois has yet to rediscover the form that earned them third place in 2018.
Yes. Turkey lost to both Australia and Paraguay and were eliminated after just two matches — a major disappointment given the expanded Round of 32 format that offered more paths to qualification.
Uruguay have drawn against debutants Cape Verde and failed to beat Saudi Arabia, leaving them facing elimination ahead of their final group match against Spain — a poor return for a former World Cup champion.
Ecuador must beat Germany in their final group match — a side that scored seven against Curaçao. Despite quality in Caicedo, Pacho, and Valencia, dropped points against Ivory Coast and Curaçao have left their fate precarious.