As we begin the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we can’t help but look back at the group phase and round of 32. We’ve seen many close games, multiple stand-out performances, and a lot of excitement. Messi and Mbappe are topping the goal-scoring table with 7 goals each, and Olisse has already notched 5 assists. Cape Verde qualified for the knockout round and put up an amazing fight against mighty Argentina.

But, as many success stories as there have been, there are just as many disappointments. Between Germany and the Netherlands’ early exits and Croatia’s heartbreak, we had plenty of options. These are the biggest disappointments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (so far).

Germany

Germany is a four-time world champion, and a national team chock-full of superstars to boot. Made up of the best and brightest that the top European leagues, especially the Bundesliga, have to offer, Germany had high expectations. Led by captain Kimmich and legendary keeper Neuer, with young guns like Pavlovic and Musiala, we expected greatness.

But, Germany failed to deliver greatness. Apart from trouncing Curacao 7-1, we didn’t see impressive football from Die Mannschaft. They struggled for most of the game against Ivory Coast, winning in the last 10 minutes, and they lost to Ecuador. And then came Paraguay in the round of 32, with their tough, bordering on violent, football. The Germans circled the opponents’ goal for 120 minutes, scoring 1 and conceding 1. Ultimately, they lost on penalties 4-3. The entirety of their performance makes them one of the biggest disappointments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (so far).

Uruguay

Uruguay is one of the countries with the deepest connections to football and the World Cup. In fact, the first FIFA World Cup in history was held in Uruguay in 1930. That is why their early exit in the group stage makes them one of the biggest disappointments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (so far).

On paper, they had everything they needed to make it to the round of 32, if not further. They were in a group with Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde. And while Spain is a formidable opponent, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde didn’t seem like much of a competition. But, then Uruguay lost to Spain 0-1 and equalized against Cape Verde 2-2 and against Saudi Arabia 1-1. Their low goal scoring and awful performance earned them only 2 points and an early exit.

Croatia

Croatia has become somewhat of a fan favorite when it comes to international footballing competitions. Ever since their historic run at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when they reached the final, people have seen them as a threat. And how could you not, with Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga, and Serie A stars like Modric, Kovacic, and Perisic. But, perhaps the manager’s great reliance on these established names cost them the expected success.

While Croatia left the tournament in the worst possible way— because of bad refereeing decisions- their complete display was underwhelming. In a group with England, Ghana, and Panama, they were second place. But, the real story is that England beat them convincingly, and they struggled to beat Ghana and Panama. The defense looked shaky, the midfield looked tired, and the attack looked ineffective. Croatia is set for a rebuild, as one of the biggest disappointments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (so far).