Six of the eight quarterfinalists are European, with Argentina the lone South American side and Morocco the only team from outside Europe or South America.
North America’s three co-hosts all fell in the round of 16 after going 9-2-1 through the group stage and round of 32; the U.S. lost 4-1 to Belgium, Mexico fell 3-2 to England and Canada lost 3-0 to Morocco.
Africa sent 10 teams to the tournament and nine reached the round of 32, but only Morocco survived as several sides were undone by late goals, including Senegal and Egypt after both led 2-0.
The pattern is longstanding: Europe has won 12 World Cups and South America 10, while over the last six tournaments Europe took 30 of 48 quarterfinal spots, South America 14, Africa three and North America one.