Published on 6/28/2026
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Last update: 15:41 (Mecca time)
Not everyone who leaves the World Cup is forgotten. While all eyes are on those who qualify for the round of 32, the group stage footage imposes itself as a testament to Asmaa’s excellence and her early departure from the tournament. Whether they were players who suffered injuries, talents who dazzled with their skills, or even fans who filled the stands with life.
Ismail Kony…a painful end to a beautiful dream
Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone was regaining his best levels after a successful season with Italian Sassuolo, but his participation in the World Cup ended in a harsh manner. After only 147 minutes, he suffered a serious injury following interference from Qatari Assem Madibo during the Canadian victory (6-0), leaving the field in one of the saddest moments in the tournament.
Tahith Chong.. A ray of hope for Curacao
Despite Curacao’s early exit, Tahith Chong managed to catch the eye. The player, who was once one of the most prominent talents of Manchester United and the Dutch national teams, regained some of his brilliance after being exhausted by injuries and unsuccessful experiences. After the second round, he was one of the most successful players in dribbles, equal to Julio Enciso and Lee Kang-in.
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Wilson Isidore…a goal that will remain in memory
The Sunderland striker scored only one goal in 197 minutes he played, but it was enough to immortalize his name in the tournament. He scored a wonderful goal for Haiti against Morocco, which many considered among the most beautiful goals of the 2026 World Cup.
Scotland fans… the biggest absentee
With Scotland’s departure, the tournament lost one of its most passionate fans. The chants, the festive atmosphere, the noisy nights, and the anthem that the fans chanted with one voice… are all scenes that will be absent from the knockout rounds.
Arda Guler…a talent who did not find anyone to support her
Arda Guler opened his campaign with a wonderful goal against the United States, but the Turkish team failed to continue the campaign. The young star was unable to compensate for the offensive infertility that his country suffered from, leaving the tournament early despite the great promises that preceded him.
Photographer of the Colombia-Uzbekistan match…an unexpected victim
The photographer on the touchline did not expect to become part of the match’s events. In one of the shots, Uzbekistan defender Abdelkader Khosanov collided with him while interfering with Luis Diaz, causing him to fall to the ground and require the intervention of the medical teams of both teams.
Schlotterbeck…a promising beginning and an early end
The Borussia Dortmund defender began his first participation in the World Cup with a goal and a strong first half against Côte d’Ivoire, before an ankle injury ended his career in the tournament, making him miss the rest of the competitions and being prevented from continuing his brilliance with the German national team.
Saud Abdel Hamid.. honorable despite exclusion
Saud Abdul Hamid continued to write history as the first Saudi player to play professionally in the French League and score in it, after he also won the French Cup with Lens, with whom he has a contract until 2029. The full-back played in all of Saudi Arabia’s matches in the group stage, but he did not succeed in saving his team from early exit.
Marcelo Bielsa…a World Cup to forget
Veteran coach Marcelo Bielsa’s third participation in the World Cup ended in great disappointment, after Uruguay exited the tournament without any victory, contenting itself with two draws and a defeat. “El Loco” did not succeed in leaving his usual mark, amid a lackluster performance by a team that seemed far from its well-known ideas.
