FIFA

Winners of 1934 and 1938 FIFA World Cups, Italy were eliminated in first round of 1950 edition, played after a 12-year gap due to World War II. 1958 and 1962 World Cup trophy holders Brazil made a group stage exit in 1966. Defending champions France (1998), Italy (2006), and Spain (2010) made first-round exits in 2002, 2010, and 2014 respectively.

Defending champions Germany have been knocked out of the World Cup in the group stage for the first time in history after losing 0-2 to South Korea on Wednesday. The four-time champions finished last in Group F, with Sweden and Mexico advancing. Defending champions have failed to reach World Cup’s second round for three successive editions now.