---
title: "World Cup grades: How every eliminated team fared vs. expectations"
description: "ESPN evaluates all 47 teams that fell short in the World Cup, revealing who met or missed pre-tournament expectations."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/copy-of-grades-for-every-team-eliminated-from-the-world-cu-1e974e6c
published: 2026-07-02T16:37:33.295+00:00
updated: 2026-07-02T16:37:33.295+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["soccer"]
---

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

> ESPN evaluates all 47 teams that fell short in the World Cup, revealing who met or missed pre-tournament 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.

Some expressed pride in their team's effort despite the early exit, while others acknowledged the need for significant improvements moving forward.

This accountability moment serves as a critical juncture for managers and federations to assess their strategies and make necessary adjustments ahead of future competitions.

What's next: The grades and evaluations will play a significant role in shaping the future of these national teams.

As they prepare for upcoming qualifiers and tournaments, the insights gained from this World Cup will influence coaching decisions, player selections, and overall team development strategies.

## Why this matters

This evaluation is crucial for national teams and their federations as it highlights accountability and performance benchmarks. Understanding who overperformed and who underdelivered can guide future strategies and preparations for upcoming tournaments, ensuring that lessons learned translate into better outcomes in the future.

## Frequently asked

### What criteria were used for grading the teams?

ESPN's grading system evaluated each team's performance based on match results, player contributions, and overall team dynamics throughout the tournament.

### Which teams exceeded expectations?

Teams like Costa Rica and South Korea received positive grades for their unexpected performances, showcasing resilience and competitive spirit despite their early exits.

### How did traditional powerhouses fare?

Teams such as Italy and the Netherlands faced criticism for their underwhelming performances, failing to advance past the group stage and raising questions about their future strategies.

### What implications do these grades have for future tournaments?

The grades provide a roadmap for national teams to identify strengths and weaknesses, guiding coaching decisions and player selections for upcoming competitions.

### When will the next major tournament take place?

The next major international tournament will be the UEFA Euro 2024, followed by the World Cup 2026, where teams will look to apply lessons learned from this World Cup.

## Sources & Citations

- [Copy of Grades for every team eliminated from the World Cu...](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49178425/world-cup-grades-every-eliminated-team-rating-exit-tournament) — ESPN Soccer (2026-07-02)

---

Cite: World Cup grades: How every eliminated team fared vs. expectations. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/copy-of-grades-for-every-team-eliminated-from-the-world-cu-1e974e6c