For the first time, the quarterfinals of the World Cup are without Brazil, Germany and Italy
The quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup will go down in history for an unprecedented reason. For the first time, none of the tournament's three most successful teams will be among the competition's top eight. The scenario was confirmed this Sunday (5), after Brazil's elimination to Norway in the round of 16.
Five-time world champions, the Brazilian team ended their campaign before the quarterfinals for the first time since 1990. The most recent title is still the one won in 2002, in the World Cup played in South Korea and Japan.
Germany, owner of four titles, had already said goodbye to the World Cup after being eliminated by Paraguay on penalties, in the round of 32 stage, created in this edition with the increase in the number of participants. The last German trophy was lifted in 2014.
Italy, also four-time champions, didn't even make it to the tournament. The Italian team fell in the playoffs after being defeated by Bosnia and Herzegovina and was left out of another edition of the World Cup. His most recent achievement was in 2006.
Together, Brazil, Germany and Italy have 13 world titles. The simultaneous absence of the trio in the quarter-finals symbolizes a historic change in football's map of forces and guarantees a feat never seen since the first edition of the World Cup.
Nepo babies from the World Cup: see the selection of children of former World Cup players
Source: CNN