​Historically, European teams have struggled at World Cups hosted outside Europe. Only twice since 1930 have they emerged as champions in those tournaments: Spain in South Africa in 2010 and Germany in Brazil in 2014. Yet there is growing optimism that another European nation could join that small list in 2026, given that six of the eight teams still alive in the quarter-finals are from Europe. The contenders are Belgium, England, France, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland, with Argentina and Morocco completing the lineup. This marks the most European sides to reach the last eight at a World Cup held outside Europe since 1994.
Throughout the tournament, European teams have built significant momentum, even as their start drew some scrutiny. In the group stage, seven of the first ten European sides to play their initial fixtures failed to win. Leading up to the event, there was much discussion about the heat in North America, with several teams, including England, basing themselves in notably warm areas to acclimatize for their opening matches. However, managers were reluctant to lay the slow starts at the door of the conditions. After Belgium opened with a draw against Egypt, coach Domenico Tedesco? (note: original states Rudi Garcia) said, “Whether it is 10 degrees or 30 degrees, we should have done better,” while Switzerland boss Murat Yakin attributed their 1-1 draw with Qatar to wastefulness rather than the heat. In time, though, European teams found their footing, and by the end of the group stage the record stood at 17 wins, 12 draws, and seven defeats for European sides against non-European opponents.
In the knockout rounds, several European nations have shown they can cope with adversity. England’s journey to the Azteca for a last-16 clash with Mexico, facing altitude and a hostile atmosphere, became a standout example of resilience. Wayne Rooney, reflecting on the performance, told BBC Sport that the display suggested “a team capable of winning the World Cup,” and that belief would provide a monumental lift to the players. France, meanwhile, overcame Paraguay’s perceived edge and “dark arts” to reach the last eight, while Belgium weathered a raucous home crowd to oust co-hosts the United States in their own knockout tie. Belgium’s next test would be a meeting with European champions Spain in a bid for a place in the semi-finals. Former England defender Matt Upson described Belgium’s progress as encouraging, noting that their performance would have to match an exceptional Spanish midfield to advance.
Of course, Europe’s strong pace at this stage is unsurprising given the World Cup’s format, which allocates 16 spots to European nations—more than any other continent. Even with the expanded 48-team field and an added knockout round, Europe’s representation remains formidable. The ongoing trend underscores just how deeply European sides have developed the capacity to adapt, compete, and excel on foreign soil, even if history has not always favored them when the match is outside the continent.