World Cup grades: How every eliminated team fared vs. expectations

ESPN has released a comprehensive evaluation of the 47 teams that were eliminated from the World Cup, grading their performances against pre-tournament expectations. This post-tournament accountability moment sheds light on which national teams exceeded, met, or fell short of their anticipated outcomes. Among the eliminated teams, some managed to surprise observers with their performances, while others left fans and federations disappointed.

The grades reflect a mixture of results, with teams like Costa Rica and South Korea earning praise for their spirited efforts, while traditional powerhouses like Italy and the Netherlands found themselves under scrutiny for failing to advance past the group stage. The evaluations are based on a combination of match results, player performances, and overall team cohesion throughout the tournament. As teams reflect on their World Cup journeys, reactions from coaches and players vary widely.