Two World Cup nations have been eliminated from this summer’s tournament early due to a little-known rule, baffling many fans as both sides still appear, at least on paper, to have a mathematical chance of reaching the Round of 32.

Haiti were the first to suffer that fate after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in Group C, with Turkiye eliminated following their 1-0 loss to Paraguay in Group D later on in Friday night’s action.

On the surface, it’s easier than ever to qualify for the knockout stage following the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams. The top two nations in each group progress automatically, while the eight best third-placed finishers also advance.

With both Haiti and Turkiye sitting just three points off those qualification places – albeit with a daunting route still ahead of them – their elimination has come as a surprise. However, a change to FIFA’s rules means neither nation can progress, even in the event of a miraculous turnaround.

Why Two Teams Have Been Knocked Out of World Cup Early

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As per talkSPORT, a rule change means Haiti and Turkiye can finish no higher than fourth in their respective groups despite each having one match left to play and just three points separating them from third place. At the 2026 World Cup, if two or more teams finish a group level on points, they are not separated by goal difference.

Instead, the first tiebreaker is a head-to-head record against the other sides involved – starting with points gained, followed by goal difference, then goals scored. After losing their first two games, the only team Haiti can still catch is Scotland – but having lost to them in their opening match, they cannot finish above them in third.

It’s a similar situation for Turkiye, who have lost to each of the two teams three points ahead of them: Australia and Paraguay. As a result, there is only pride left to play for when Haiti and Turkiye face Morocco and the USA respectively in their final group matches.

Two Teams Have Had Their Knockout Tickets Punched As A Result

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Mexico were the first to qualify for the next stage of this summer’s showpiece tournament, making it two wins from two by beating South Korea 1-0 in Group A. It’s been an impressive start for the Latin American hosts, who had opened their account with a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa a week prior, meaning they are yet to concede.

Fellow co-hosts the USA then followed them into the last 32 thanks to their 2-0 Group D victory over Australia. It’s only the second time the Stars and Stripes have ever won back-to-back World Cup matches, and their predicted path to the semi-finals now looks very favourable as Mauricio Pochettino leads them into a promising new dawn.

Lionel Messi was at the centre of a 2026 World Cup row after Argentina’s 3-0 victory against Algeria. Now, the 39-year-old could potentially be involved in another.

Many believed the Argentina superstar was lucky not to be shown a straight red card after a high challenge on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi. It caused lots of fans to claim that Messi was given preferential treatment by referees and officials.

That line of thinking has led to questions surrounding another incident involving the greatest of all time. Despite netting a hat-trick in the opening game for the world champions, some believe Messi should’ve seen red for covering his mouth.

How Lionel Messi Avoided Red Card vs Algeria

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After all, Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player at the World Cup to be sent off for covering his mouth during his country’s 1-0 win over Turkey. The newly introduced ‘Prestianni Law’ was invoked for the first time as the ex-Newcastle man covered his mouth during a confrontation with an opposition player.

The rule was approved by IFAB to try and prevent derogatory comments being hidden after the controversy involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

Immediately after VAR found Almiron guilty of breaking the newly introduced law, the referee was sent to the screen and sent the winger off. However, an image quickly appeared on social media showing Messi himself with his hand over his mouth while speaking in Argentina’s opener.

However, the law clearly states that a player will be sent off if they hide their mouth during a confrontation. Messi was simply speaking to his teammates after netting his second goal in the 60th minute, therefore not breaching the rules.

Henry Winter pointed out on X that there’s an emphasis on ‘confrontational’. He also revealed all players were informed of the new regulation pre-tournament.

FIFA Statement After Almiron Red Card

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After controversy was sparked online surrounding Almiron’s red card, FIFA have released a statement explaining why he was dismissed. Football’s governing body confirmed this was one of the new rules implemented at the competition.

The statement read: “Following a VAR review in the FIFA World Cup match between Türkiye and Paraguay, Miguel Almiron was shown a red card for covering his mouth.

“Following a special meeting of The IFAB held in April, a number of amendments were introduced to be implemented at the FIFA World Cup 2026. This included a red card for any player in the tournament seen covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent.”

Liverpool are preparing for life under new manager Andoni Iraola after the former Bournemouth boss was announced as Arne Slot’s replacement earlier this month.

The Reds endured a disappointing Premier League title defence last season, scraping a fifth-place finish while failing to reach the latter stages of any cup competitions which subsequently cost Slot his job.

Alongside a change in the dugout, two long-term servants in Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson also departed at the end of the campaign after nine and ten seasons at the club, respectively.

The Reds have already signed winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna and saw an opening bid of around 100million euros for RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande rejected earlier this week.

Their transfer business isn’t expected to stop there though as Iraola looks to sculpt his new team in his vision.

Liverpool in talks with Wharton

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Another player strongly linked with a switch to Anfield this summer is Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton who is courting interest from a number of England’s top clubs.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are the midfielder’s “strongest admirers” and have “held talks” with the Englishman’s representatives, while Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the mix.

The 22-year-old, who reportedly wants to join, has been a sensation at Selhurst Park since his move from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, playing 96 times and helping the Eagles to FA Cup and Conference League glory.

His rise has also coincided with a senior England debut, making four caps for the Three Lions before missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer.

It is currently unclear exactly how much Wharton would cost, but £70million is the latest fee to be suggested with Palace expected to demand a significant figure.

Wharton is perfect for Liverpool

While Dominic Szobozlai was voted as Liverpool’s player of the season last term, elsewhere there were a number of inconsistent performers in the middle of the park, suggesting that the Reds’ core could do with a refresh.

Now with two-and-a-half years of experience at Premier League level, alongside a taste of senior international football, Wharton is clearly ready to play for one of Europe’s top clubs.

The 22-year-old would offer much-needed balance to the Liverpool midfield at the base, known for his ability to control the game and incredible football intelligence. Too many times last term, the Reds were caught out in possession, something Iraola will be looking to address immediately.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner described him as “one of the best midfielders in the world”, a significant claim for such a young player. However, there is no doubt that a move to a club of Liverpool’s stature could help Wharton’s trajectory continue to head upwards.