As the World Cup approaches, the dominance of European and South American teams remains strong. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams may slightly enhance chances for underdog regions like Asia, Africa, and North America, yet historical patterns favor established powers. Between 2006 and 2018, European teams comprised 13 of the 16 semi-finalists. The article discusses how western Europe’s organized youth training and financial strength fortifies this dominance, though Argentina's victory in 2022 showcases that strong individual talents can still challenge this trend.
The expansion of the tournament will require teams to navigate through eight games instead of seven, potentially reducing the chance of upsets but also adding unpredictability through the knockout rounds.
Between 2006 and 2018, 13 of 16 semi-finalists in the World Cup were European, highlighting the dominance and industrialization of youth production in major western European nations.
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