All three host nations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been eliminated in the Round of 16, bringing an end to the tournament's first-ever three-country hosting campaign.
The United States, Mexico and Canada jointly staged the tournament, marking the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations. Unlike the relatively compact geography of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, the vast distances between venues across North America created unique logistical challenges for teams and supporters alike.
Each host nation enjoyed advantages during the group stage. Mexico based itself in Mexico City, taking advantage of the city's 2,240-meter altitude. The United States played its group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, while Canada also benefited from remaining on home soil throughout the opening phase. All three nations advanced to the knockout stage and reached the Round of 16 after overcoming comparatively favorable opponents in the Round of 32.
However, none managed to progress any further.
Canada became the first host nation to exit the tournament after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in Houston on July 5. Jesse Marsch's side continued to showcase its trademark high-pressing, attack-minded football but once again struggled with finishing. Morocco, meanwhile, proved clinical, converting the majority of its limited chances.
Mexico followed on July 6 after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to England at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Playing at high altitude and backed by passionate home support, Mexico entered the match with several advantages. England, however, produced an outstanding performance led by Jude Bellingham, whose two goals helped his side become the first team in the tournament to score three times against Mexico. England also handed Mexico its first-ever FIFA World Cup defeat at the Estadio Azteca.
Despite playing with 10 men after Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half, England successfully defended its lead after the hydration break, denying Mexico a comeback.
The final host nation to exit was the United States, which suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle on July 7.
The match attracted significant attention even before kickoff following controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's suspension. After receiving a red card earlier in the tournament, Balogun was initially handed a one-match ban. However, FIFA's disciplinary committee reportedly suspended the sanction, allowing the striker to feature in the Round of 16. The decision sparked criticism from some observers, who accused FIFA of favoring the host nation. U.S. President Donald Trump later claimed credit for the reversal, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino denied any political interference.
On the pitch, Belgium proved far too strong. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku each added a goal. The latter two strikes came after costly defensive mistakes by the United States, compounding an already disappointing performance. Malik Tillman scored the Americans' only goal from a free kick, but it was little consolation as the co-hosts exited the tournament with a comprehensive defeat.
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