Out of the 16 teams from Europe that competed in the World Cup, 6 have advanced to the quarterfinals. Having 6 European teams among the 8 quarterfinalists clearly demonstrates the dominance of European squads in the tournament. Kathmandu, 25 Asar. The World Cup, hosted in the United States and Mexico in North America, has featured a record 48 nations competing. Following the group stage, round of 32, and pre-quarterfinal matches, the 23rd edition of the World Cup clearly highlights the supremacy of European teams.
In the early group stage matches, Asian teams showed some promising signs, while 9 of the 10 African teams qualified for the knockout rounds, indicating growth in the level of African squads. During the round of 32, all three host nations secured victories, raising expectations for their continued progress. However, after the pre-quarterfinals, the host countries’ campaigns ended. Two African teams reached the pre-quarterfinals, but only one advanced to the quarterfinals.
South America, alongside Europe, is also known to be a strong region, with four teams reaching the pre-quarterfinals. Still, only reigning champions Argentina progressed to the quarterfinals. As in previous tournaments, European teams continue to dominate the quarterfinal stage. Of the 16 European teams that participated, 6 have made it to the quarterfinals. The presence of 6 European teams among the final 8 teams confirms Europe’s continued supremacy in this World Cup.
Among these are former runner-up and two-time champion France, as well as one-time champions England, Spain, Belgium, Norway, and Switzerland, all of which have secured their places in the last eight. Although teams from various continents have delivered standout performances in the preliminary stages of the 2026 World Cup, the final phase has clearly been dominated by European sides. France and England have consistently reached the quarterfinals, while Spain, the 2010 champions, returned after 16 years; Belgium returned after 8 years; Switzerland after 72 years; and Norway reached the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.
In the quarterfinals, two matches will feature solely European teams, while the other two matches will see teams from different continents face off. Spain, Belgium, Norway, and England will contest the all-European quarterfinal matches, guaranteeing at least two European teams will advance to the semifinals. The remaining two European teams will compete against African (Morocco) and Latin American (Argentina) teams for semifinal spots. The first quarterfinal will see former runner-up France take on 2022 semifinalist Morocco, while Switzerland will face reigning champion Argentina. If Morocco or Argentina win, a non-European team will reach the semifinals. Should France and Switzerland also win, all four semifinalists will be European.
The last time four European teams reached the semifinals was in the 2018 World Cup held in Russia, where France defeated Belgium and Croatia overcame England to reach the final. Similarly, in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, European teams Italy, France, Portugal, and hosts Germany made the semifinals. Italy went on to defeat France to claim their fourth World Cup title. If Morocco and Argentina win, the semifinals will feature representatives from three different continents, increasing the chance of a final between two different continental teams. From the outset of the tournament, former runner-up France was considered a strong contender for the title, with reigning champions Argentina aiming to defend their crown. Additionally, former champions Spain and England remain in contention. Dark horse teams such as Belgium, Norway, and Morocco have also emerged as contenders.
Only 8 teams remain out of the original 48, and the World Cup winner will be determined after the remaining 8 matches. Ahead lie the thrilling quarterfinal and semifinal contests before the grand final match.
