Expanded World Cup; same old story as Europe dominates quarter-finals

The 2025 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams to give greater representation to previously underrepresented continents, has still seen Europe dominate the quarter-final stage. The quarter-final lineup reflects a familiar pattern of European dominance, consistent with historical trends at the tournament. The 2002 World Cup remains a notable exception, being the last time only four European teams reached the quarter-finals.