It's tough days for the Borussia Dortmund faithful. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup progresses, fewer and fewer players from the club remain active in the competition.
Boasting one of the largest contingent with 10 players, only two of them are still alive in the North American showpiece: Switzerland's Gregor Kobel and Norway's Julian Ryerson.
Almost every single BVB player had reached the Round of 32 stage, but that's where the death knell was run.
With Germany's elimination, Felix Nmecha, Waldemar Anton and Maximilian Beier bowed out. Nico Schlotterbeck's campaign was ended prematurely after sustaining a ligament damage in their second group fixture.
Sweden were beaten by France and with that, Daniel Svensson's run also ended. Ramy Bensebaini and Algeria were knocked out by Switzerland in the last-32 as well whereas Austrian duo Marcel Sabitzer and Carney Chukwuemeka were powerless against Spain.
That leaves us with only goalkeeper Kobel and prolific full-back Ryerson, who hasn't played for Norway since picking up a knock on 23 June against Senegal while being an unused substitute in both their games since then.
However, these two players could also see the end of their FIFA World Cup campaigns soon given the tough fixtures awaiting them in the Round of 16.
Gregor Kobel and co. face-off with South American giants Colombia on Tuesday, 7 July in a fixture where La Nati were overwhelming underdogs.
For one, Switzerland haven't progressed beyond the Round of 16 since their quarter-final exit in 1954 while Los Cafeteros also boast more experience and an enviable attacking arsenal.
As for Norway, the Nordic side come up against tournament favorites Brazil on Sunday in what seems like a lop-sided fixture on paper between David and Goliath.
Erling Haaland and co. have punched above their weight so far, getting to the last-16 round on their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998.
But the Seleccao are a different kettle of fish; they have valuable experience in these situations and some quality players in every department.
With Haaland scoring in every game for Norway so far (he didn't play against France and hence couldn't score), it could be a close competition but Vinicius Junior and co. are widely touted to prevail.
All signs ominously point to Borussia Dortmund's FIFA World Cup run ending in the Round of 16. It would be a real surprise if either of their players get to the next stage with their national teams.
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