Haiti bow out with pride as 6 teams exit World Cup so far

The FIFA World Cup knockout picture is beginning to take shape, with heavyweights such as France, Argentina, Brazil, and Germany already through and others closing in on qualification. For six nations, however, the journey is already over after consecutive defeats in the group stage.

Among the eliminated teams so far -- involving three Asian sides, one African and two from the North and Central America and the Caribbean -- Haiti leave with perhaps the most encouraging story.

Haiti (CONCACAF)

Despite exiting without a point, Haiti departed with heads held high after a spirited 4-2 defeat to Morocco. Already eliminated following losses to Scotland and Brazil, the Caribbean side refused to simply make up the numbers in Atlanta.

Appearing at their first World Cup since 1974, Haiti scored their first goals at the tournament in 52 years and twice took the lead against the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists. A Yassine Bounou own goal and a stunning strike from Wilson Isidor briefly put Les Grenadiers in front before Morocco eventually prevailed through superior quality.

For a nation returning to the global stage after more than five decades, the performance offered encouragement and ensured their campaign ended with admiration rather than embarrassment.

Qatar (AFC)

Qatar's tournament ended after a 6-0 opening defeat to Canada was followed by another loss against Bosnia and Herzegovina, leaving them with no route into the round of 32.

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Panama (CONCACAF)

Drawn alongside England, Croatia and Ghana, Panama faced one of the toughest groups in the competition. Consecutive defeats ensured an early exit.

Turkiye (AFC)

Despite possessing talented players such as Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu, Turkiye endured a disappointing tournament, becoming the first team to exit the 48-team competition. Defeats to Australia and 10-man Paraguay ended their hopes early.

Tunisia (CAF)

Tunisia's campaign never recovered from a 5-1 thrashing by Sweden in their opener. A subsequent 4-0 defeat to Japan confirmed elimination.

Jordan (AFC)

One of the tournament's four debutants, Jordan were unable to extend their stay after losses to Austria and Algeria.