World Cup 2026: Turkey and Haiti Eliminated, Hakimi Red Card, Almiron’s First Ejection Under New Rule
Turkey and Haiti were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle on Saturday after defeats in their final matches, while Manchester City’s Rubel Hakimi became the first player to receive a direct red card under FIFA’s new rule, and Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez was sent off in a 2-1 win over Manchester United. The day’s drama unfolded across three continents, with Riyad Mahrez’s last-minute winner securing Manchester City’s Premier League title and sending shockwaves through global football.
Turkey and Haiti Exit World Cup 2026 Qualifying
Turkey’s 2-1 loss to World Cup 2026 qualifying rivals Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday confirmed their elimination from the tournament, ending their hopes of a return to the FIFA World Cup after a 24-year absence. The result came despite Turkey’s early lead, with a goal from Enes Ünal in the 12th minute. Bosnia and Herzegovina equalized through Edin Džeko in the 67th minute before sealing victory with a late winner from Miralem Pjanić in the 90+3 minute.
Haiti’s 3-0 defeat to CONCACAF rivals Canada in their final qualifying match also saw them exit the competition. The result left Haiti with just one win in their entire qualifying campaign, marking their first-ever failure to qualify for a World Cup.
Why it matters: Turkey’s elimination is particularly significant, as they had been one of the favorites to secure a spot in the expanded 48-team World Cup 2026. Their exit leaves Bosnia and Herzegovina as the only team from their group to advance. Meanwhile, Haiti’s failure to qualify is a historic low point for Caribbean football, as they had previously qualified for the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
Standings Implications
With Turkey and Haiti eliminated, the remaining spots in the World Cup 2026 qualifying play-offs will be determined by the performances of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Japan, and Germany in their respective groups. The play-offs, set to take place in March 2026, will feature the top four teams from the AFC, UEFA, and CONCACAF regions.
Key Takeaways:
- Turkey’s elimination ends their 24-year World Cup drought.
- Haiti’s failure to qualify marks their first-ever miss.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina advance to the play-offs as group winners.
- The play-offs will determine the final four spots for World Cup 2026.
FIFA’s New Red Card Rule Enforced: Hakimi and Núñez Sent Off
Saturday’s matches also saw the first high-profile ejections under FIFA’s new red card rule, which was introduced for the 2022 World Cup. The rule states that a player will receive a direct red card for a second yellow card in the same match, regardless of the time elapsed since the first caution.
Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez became the first player to be sent off under this rule in a Premier League match, receiving his second yellow card in a 2-1 win over Chelsea. Mahrez had previously been booked for a foul on Reece James in the 34th minute before collecting another yellow in the 89th minute for dissent after a VAR review.
In a separate match, Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez was sent off for a second yellow card in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United. Núñez had been booked for time-wasting in the 67th minute before receiving his second caution in the 90+2 minute for a foul on Bruno Fernandes.
Why it matters: The new red card rule has sparked debate among players, coaches, and fans about its fairness and effectiveness. Some argue that it reduces tactical fouls and dissent, while others believe it unfairly penalizes players who may not have intended to be booked twice. The rule was introduced to align FIFA’s disciplinary measures with those used in other competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League.
Almiron’s First Ejection Under New Rule
In a separate incident, Thiago Almiron, the captain of La Liga club Real Betis, was sent off in a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao. Almiron received a red card for a second yellow card, marking his first ejection under the new rule.
Why it matters: Almiron’s ejection highlights how the new rule is being enforced across different competitions. While the Premier League and La Liga have seen ejections under the rule, other leagues, such as the Bundesliga and Serie A, have yet to see players sent off for a second yellow card. This discrepancy raises questions about the consistency of the rule’s application.
Manchester City Crowned Premier League Champions
In a dramatic finale to the Premier League season, Manchester City secured their fourth consecutive title with a 2-1 win over Chelsea. The match was overshadowed by Mahrez’s red card, but Riyad Mahrez still managed to score the winning goal in the 90+1 minute, sealing City’s title.
Key Moments:
- Riyad Mahrez (90+1) – Last-minute winner to secure the title.
- Cole Palmer (7) – Early goal for Chelsea.
- Kevin De Bruyne (38) – Equalizer for Manchester City.
Why it matters: Manchester City’s title win ensures they will enter the UEFA Champions League as the reigning English champions, giving them an advantage in the group stage draw. The result also marks the end of Pep Guardiola’s record-breaking tenure as the most successful manager in Premier League history, with four titles in five years.
Next Steps for Manchester City
With the Premier League season concluded, Manchester City will now focus on their Champions League campaign. They will face Paris Saint-Germain in the group stage, where they will look to build on their strong performances in recent seasons.
What’s Next in World Cup 2026 Qualifying?
The next major matches in the World Cup 2026 qualifying cycle will take place on June 21, 2024, with the following fixtures:
| Match | Time (UTC) | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| AFC: Japan vs. Australia | 07:00 UTC | Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan |
| UEFA: Germany vs. Scotland | 14:00 UTC | Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany |
| CONCACAF: Mexico vs. Panama | 02:00 UTC (June 22) | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico |
Key Takeaways for Fans:
- Follow the official FIFA qualifying page for updates on match schedules and results.
- Check CONCACAF for CONCACAF-specific news and fixtures.
- For Premier League fans, the focus will now shift to the Champions League, with Manchester City and Chelsea set to meet in the group stage.
FAQ: World Cup 2026 Qualifying and the New Red Card Rule
Q: How does the new red card rule work?
A: Under FIFA’s new rule, a player will receive a direct red card for a second yellow card in the same match, regardless of the time elapsed since the first caution. This rule was introduced to reduce tactical fouls and dissent in football.
Q: Which teams are still in contention for World Cup 2026?
A: The remaining teams in contention for World Cup 2026 include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Japan, Germany, and several other teams from the UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF regions. The play-offs in March 2026 will determine the final four spots.
Q: What are the implications of Turkey and Haiti’s eliminations?
A: Turkey’s elimination ends their 24-year World Cup drought, while Haiti’s failure to qualify marks their first-ever miss. These results have significant implications for the remaining teams in their respective groups, as they now face increased pressure to secure a spot in the play-offs.
