😩 Biggest World Cup let-down? See our top 8 and comment

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OneFootball

·20 July 2026

😩 Biggest World Cup let-down? See our top 8 and comment

The FIFA World Cup is made of beautiful stories and... DISAPPOINTMENTS. In that context, several players and national teams are bowing out of the 2026 World Cup with their heads down.

For you, what is the BIGGEST disappointment? Check out a Top 10 below and comment!

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Germany 🇩🇪

One of the favorites, Germany could have won their FIFTH title and drawn level with Brazil. But they were knocked out by Paraguay (third place in the group stage) as early as the Round of 32.

Messi's supporting cast 🇦🇷

Argentina reached the final, largely thanks to Messi. Lautaro Martínez scored only three goals in seven games. Julián Alvarez was even worse, with one goal in eight matches.

Brazil national team 🇧🇷

Few fans were very confident about a sixth title, but going out as early as the Round of 16 disappointed even the pessimists. It’s now been 24 years without lifting the World Cup.

Raphinha 🇧🇷

An undisputed starter, the forward delivered underwhelming performances. He provided just one assist in the 2-1 win over Egypt. After an injury, he was even left on the bench against Norway, but did not come on.

📸 JEWEL SAMAD - AFP or licensors

Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹

He scored his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal (from the penalty spot). And that was it. Even with a promising generation and an outstanding midfield, Portugal bowed out as early as the Round of 16.

Uruguay 🇺🇾

They still managed to be eliminated in a group that included Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. With only two points, they did not even secure a place among the best third-placed teams.

Turkey 🇹🇷

They lost to Australia and Paraguay and were already out of contention for qualification to the second round. Afterwards, they did beat the United States in a melancholy farewell.

Thomas Tuchel 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

He did secure a respectable third place, it’s true, but he “killed” the team with his changes when England were leading Argentina 1-0 in the semifinal.