The current World Cup features more teams, with 48 nations starting the tournament. Yet, familiar patterns remain. Out of eight teams left, six are from Europe. Unless Morocco creates major upsets, the winner will come from either Europe or South America as has been the trend.
In nearly a century of competition since 1930, champions have hailed 12 times from Europe and 10 from South America. This year’s quarterfinalists include six European teams, one South American, and one African team.
Even some European players express surprise at the tournament’s progress. Norway’s Erling Haaland expressed disbelief after advancing to the quarterfinals against Brazil, marking Norway’s best performance in a World Cup.
The North American co-hosts—U.S., Mexico, and Canada—did not advance past the round of 16. Despite a strong start with a combined 9-2-1 record up to the round of 32, they struggled in the knockout phase. The U.S. lost to Belgium, Mexico to England, and Canada to Morocco.
This outcome highlights the challenge North American teams face. There has not been a CONCACAF team in the quarterfinals since Costa Rica in 2014.
We need to get over that next hurdle.
U.S. player Christian Pulisic emphasized the need to compete with the world’s best after their early exit.
Mexico’s experience has been similar in recent tournaments, with nine consecutive appearances but never advancing past the round of 16.
Meanwhile, Africa entered the World Cup with strong representation and promise. While Morocco remains a contender, others saw their hopes dashed, often by late-game goals.
The 2002 World Cup showed greater diversity with five different confederations in the quarterfinals. However, over the last six World Cups, European and South American teams have dominated quarterfinal spots.
Argentina and Lionel Messi’s continued success illustrate this dominance. The team reached the quarterfinals again, emphasizing the challenge for other regions to break the traditional stronghold.
Thank God, we did it once again.
Messi’s words reflect the high stakes and competitiveness of World Cup knockout matches.