European Dominance Continues Despite Expanded World Cup Format

Posted : 09 July 2026

The expansion of the FIFA World Cup from 32 to 48 teams was designed to give more nations from Africa, Asia and other regions a greater opportunity to compete on football's biggest stage. While the enlarged tournament has delivered more diversity during the group phase, the quarter-final line-up once again highlights Europe's enduring strength, with six of the remaining eight teams coming from the continent.

France, Spain, Belgium, England, Norway and Switzerland are still in contention for the title, alongside defending champions Argentina and Morocco, the lone African representative. Should the European sides continue their winning form, the tournament could produce an all-European semi-final line-up, mirroring the 2018 World Cup despite Europe's reduced allocation of places in the expanded competition.

European football continues to benefit from world-class leagues, elite youth academies and significant financial resources that attract and develop many of the world's best players. Those advantages have also helped players from other continents, with numerous international stars honing their skills in European club systems before representing their home nations.

Morocco remain the standout success story outside Europe. The Atlas Lions have combined homegrown talent developed through the Mohammed VI Football Academy with players raised in European football academies, creating a squad capable of competing with the world's elite. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi believes his team has continued to improve since its historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and is confident they can challenge France for another place in the last four.

Argentina also illustrate football's global nature. Although most of their squad was born in the country, many—including captain Lionel Messi—moved to Europe early in their careers to develop at elite clubs before becoming international stars. Meanwhile, Brazil's disappointing exit in the round of 16 extended their long-running struggles against European opposition in World Cup knockout matches despite appointing Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Elsewhere, the United States failed to capitalize on home advantage after suffering a heavy defeat to Belgium in the last 16, while Asia's record nine representatives produced only two teams that progressed beyond the group stage. Switzerland, meanwhile, continue to demonstrate the value of competing regularly against Europe's strongest sides as they prepare to face Argentina in the quarter-finals with confidence that another upset is possible.

European Dominance Continues Despite Expanded World Cup Format

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics