Scotland and Iran Eliminated from 2026 World Cup Group Stage

Scotland were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 in Group L. The result left the Scottish side without enough points to finish among the eight best third-placed teams that advance to the round of 32. Manager Steve Clarke resigned following the elimination, BBC reported.

South Korea were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup group stage on June 27 in Guadalajara, Mexico, Yonhap reported. Iran finished third in its group and missed the round of 32 by one point after earning one point each from draws against Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. A stoppage-time goal by Algeria against Austria, answered seconds later, confirmed Iran's exit, Yonhap reported.

Iran played under U.S. travel limits that restricted support staff visas and forced an immediate return to its Mexico base after early matches. Restrictions eased only for the final group game in Seattle, allowing arrival two days before kickoff.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said after the Egypt match that the team had been treated very badly and that the players' performance should be recorded in history. The squad issued a statement thanking people in Tijuana after elimination. Several hundred protesters gathered outside one stadium during the group stage, and the national anthem drew mixed reactions inside the venues, Yonhap reported.

The matches occurred while Tehran and Washington discussed terms to end the war that began in February.