European teams have historically struggled at World Cups staged outside their own continent. Since the first tournament in 1930, only twice have European nations lifted the trophy away from home soil, with Spain winning in South Africa in 2010 and Germany triumphing in Brazil four years later.

However, the 2026 tournament could see another European side join that exclusive group. Six of the eight teams remaining in the competition come from Europe, with Belgium, England, France, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland joined by Argentina and Morocco in the quarterfinals.

It is the strongest European presence in the last eight of a World Cup held outside Europe since 1994. The continent’s teams have gradually grown stronger throughout the tournament, turning an uncertain opening into a dominant campaign.

The start, though, was far from perfect. Seven of the first 10 European teams to play their opening group matches failed to secure victories, raising questions about whether the conditions in North America could affect their performances.

Slow beginnings before European teams found their rhythm

The weather was one of the biggest talking points before the tournament, with several teams, including England, choosing warm locations to prepare for the opening games and adjust to the climate.

Despite the difficult starts, coaches were reluctant to blame the conditions. After Belgium drew with Egypt, manager Rudi Garcia admitted his team should have performed better regardless of the temperature. Switzerland boss Murat Yakin also focused on his side’s missed opportunities after their 1-1 draw with Qatar rather than pointing towards the heat.

As the group stage progressed, European teams began to show their quality. Against non-European opponents, they finished the opening phase with 17 victories, 12 draws, and seven defeats.

Their ability to overcome challenging circumstances also became clear during the knockout rounds. England faced a difficult test against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, dealing with both the altitude and intense atmosphere, but produced a strong display to reach the quarter-finals.

Former England striker Wayne Rooney praised the team’s performance, saying the victory demonstrated they had the ability and belief needed to compete for the World Cup trophy.

Big names delivering while unexpected teams impress

Several European contenders have lived up to expectations. France entered the tournament among the favourites and has continued to justify that status, with Kylian Mbappe playing a major role in their campaign and remaining among the leading Golden Boot contenders with seven goals.

Belgium also showed their strength by handling the pressure of facing co-hosts, the USA, and securing a place in the quarter-finals. Their reward is a meeting with European champions Spain, with a semi-final place at stake.

France’s attacking options have been highlighted as one of their biggest strengths. Analysts pointed out that players such as Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue provide additional quality from the bench, especially during demanding matches played in hot conditions.

Spain and England have also been viewed as serious contenders, with former France defender Gael Clichy naming those two nations alongside France as teams capable of making a deep run.

Norway and Switzerland create their own stories

While teams like France, Spain, and England were expected to challenge for the title, Norway and Switzerland have emerged as two of Europe’s most impressive performers.

Norway are enjoying their first World Cup appearance since 1998 and have benefited from Erling Haaland’s outstanding form. The Manchester City forward has scored seven goals at the tournament and has the opportunity to add more when Norway face England.

Switzerland has also exceeded expectations, maintaining their composure during a tense penalty shootout victory over Colombia in the last 16. Their success has taken them into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.

Manager Murat Yakin described the achievement as a historic moment for Swiss football but insisted the team’s journey was not over.

Europe chasing rare success away from home

European representation was always expected to be strong because the continent received the largest number of World Cup places, with 16 available spots. Yet their performance remains notable given the expanded 48-team format and the additional knockout round they had to navigate.

Their progress has also come while major teams from outside Europe have fallen short. Five-time champions Brazil were eliminated, while co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA all exited in the last 16.

With six European teams still alive, the continent has a chance to end a long wait for another World Cup winner outside Europe. The remaining challenge is turning dominance into the rare achievement of lifting the trophy on foreign soil.