Panama eliminated before facing England as FIFA's new tiebreaker rule reshapes World Cup 2026

Panama have been officially eliminated from the 2026 World Cup ahead of their final Group L fixture against England in New Jersey on Saturday, as a FIFA rule change confirms their exit before a ball is kicked in the decisive round of matches.

Five nations in total have now been ruled out ahead of the final group stage matchday. Tunisia, Turkey and Haiti were the first to go after losing both of their opening fixtures, and they have been joined by Panama and World Cup debutants Jordan, who suffered back-to-back defeats against Austria and Algeria in Group J.

The eliminations have surprised many supporters, given the expanded 48-team format that sees eight of the 12 third-placed sides advance to the knockout rounds for the first time. Fans had widely expected qualification to remain unresolved until the very last group matches — but a significant rule change introduced by FIFA has altered that calculus.

In previous tournaments, goal difference served as the primary tiebreaker for teams level on points. Under the new regulations, head-to-head results take precedence. The practical consequence is that a team which has already lost to every other side in its group cannot climb out of last place, regardless of what happens in their final game.

Jordan illustrate the point starkly. Even if they were to defeat reigning champions Argentina on Sunday — arguably the biggest upset in World Cup history — they cannot rise above fourth in Group J. Austria and Algeria both sit on three points, and while Jordan could match that tally with a win, their prior defeats to both sides mean head-to-head record locks them into bottom place.

Panama face the same mathematical wall. Croatia currently occupy third place in Group L on three points, with Ghana and England sitting first and second on four points apiece. Having already lost to both Croatia and Ghana, Panama cannot finish higher than fourth no matter what they produce against Gareth Southgate’s side.

England will therefore face an opponent with nothing to play for in terms of progression, though Panama will have pride and individual performances to motivate them in what remains a high-profile fixture.

The concluding round of Group B fixtures gets underway on Wednesday, with Switzerland facing Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina taking on Qatar. Group C follows, with Morocco meeting Haiti and Scotland facing five-time world champions Brazil in a straight shootout for a place in the last 32.