This tournament kicked off with 48 teams; we’re now down to eight, with six hailing from Europe. Unless Morocco pulls off a series of surprises in the coming weeks, the champion will be either from Europe or South America.
Once again. As always.
This tournament has been held for nearly a century — since the inaugural World Cup in 1930 — and has seen 22 previous editions. The champions: 12 from Europe, 10 from South America, and none from elsewhere.
This year’s quarterfinal lineup showcases six teams from Europe, one from South America, and one from Africa. Not exactly a revolutionary outcome.
That said, it appears even some of Europe’s top players are astonished at how the tournament has unfolded.
“I thought some things weren’t possible,” Norway’s star Erling Haaland expressed after scoring two goals that secured his team’s place in the quarterfinals — the first time Norway has advanced this far. “I guess I was wrong.” He was positively mistaken. The tournament hosts were not.
North America had three opportunities this time in a larger-than-ever, 48-team event with the U.S., Mexico, and Canada all co-hosting.
Unfortunately, none of those teams made it to the quarterfinals.
“We need to overcome that next hurdle,” U.S. striker Christian Pulisic remarked during a televised interview following the Americans’ exit at the hands of Belgium in a 4-1 round of 16 defeat, highlighting how much work remains for North America. “Competing against and defeating the world’s best is our next step … There’s still another level we must reach.” All three hosts advanced through the group stage and round of 32 easily. The US, Mexico, and Canada posted a combined record of 9-2-1 in those matches, outpacing opponents by 20 goals total. Initial signs were promising.
Then came the round of 16. A thud.
England eliminated Mexico with a 3-2 score, the U.S. faced a one-sided loss to Belgium, and Canada was outplayed in a 3-0 defeat by Morocco. The combined results for those three matches: 0-3-0 record, outscored by seven goals.
“Levels,” French soccer legend Thierry Henry commented as an analyst on Fox after the U.S. defeat. “The World Cup operates differently in the group stage. The round of 32 was an unprecedented stage. Everybody made history there… Unfortunately, one host, two hosts, three hosts — out. That’s exactly what you don’t want in a World Cup. It’s frustrating.” If it frustrates Henry, consider how it feels for the Canadians, Mexicans, and Americans.
No CONCACAF — the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football — team has made it to the World Cup quarterfinals since Costa Rica in 2014.
Before that, it was the U.S. in 2002, its best showing since achieving third place in 1930. Canada has never progressed past the round of 16. Mexico has participated in each of the last nine World Cups, reaching the round of 16 eight times without advancing further.
“Everyone gave their all,” Mexico midfielder Erik Lira stated. “However, in the end, it wasn’t sufficient.” This seems to be a recurring theme every four years for everyone except Europe and South America.
There was some diversity in the 2002 quarterfinal lineup, featuring teams from five confederations — Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and North America.
That was a rare occurrence. Of the 48 quarterfinal spots available in the last six tournaments, Europe has claimed 30, South America 14, Africa three, and North America one.
Currently, Morocco carries the hopes of Africa and entered the knockout stage as a strong contender. The continent sent 10 teams to the tournament, with nine advancing to the round of 32.
However, most teams saw their dreams end with late goals.
Ivory Coast, South Africa, and Congo all conceded crucial goals in the 86th minute or later, marking their exits. Cape Verde’s remarkable journey concluded after an own goal against Lionel Messi and Argentina in the 111th minute. Senegal and Egypt faced particularly bitter endings — both held 2-0 leads late in the second half, only to lose 3-2 to Belgium and Argentina, respectively.
Egypt felt the match was decided by questionable officiating.
“Maybe they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition,” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan suggested. “Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay.” Yet once again, a powerhouse like Argentina found a way to prevail. For the fifth time in the last six World Cups, Messi’s squad is in the quarterfinals.
Some things appear to remain unchanged.
“It wasn’t easy to bounce back from a 2-0 deficit in a knockout match — especially in today’s games, where nothing is given for free,” Messi remarked. “But thankfully, we did it once more.”
