European Dominance at FIFA World Cup 2018

FIFA World Cup—Europe's triumph: What does it mean for the rest of the world?

EUROPEAN supremacy continued at the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ with France eventually claiming the prestigious crown, and I believe having a competition like the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is the reason behind the almost two-decade dominance.

France no doubt were deserving winners having knocked out quality sides like Uruguay, Argentina, and an energetic Belgium, to name a few, on route to the Final and defeating Croatia.

Winning the World Cup not only marked a remarkable achievement for France, but the UEFA confederation as well. The past four World Cup winners, dating back to 2006 (Italy), 2010 (Spain), 2014 (Germany), and 2018 (France), being of the confederation.

From the Semifinals stage of the 2018 World Cup, it seemed more of the Euros as Belgium took on France while England battled Croatia.

Boasting a competition like the UEFA Champions and Europa League is eventually the game changer and a pinnacle strength for European sides.

Months of intense and quality competition at its highest is presented to the players. The best players from around the globe are playing in Europe, and with few playing outside, the bulk of European players are playing their trade within their confederation.

To sum this up, top players, playing in top UEFA competition and respective league competitions are no doubt a perfect recipe for Europe to maintain it's pole position.

So, what could be done to close this huge gap? My only solution now is that more players from the other confederations securing a contract and playing in Europe seems to be the cure at this stage. Many players, bringing that sort of experience should no doubt provide more depths and quality to other confederations.

Europe maintains its dominance, which looks not to end anytime soon.

So, what does this mean for the South America, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania Confederations?

Will either of their teams rise and end the two-decade dominance of Europe? And will we be ready to praise yet another European winner after the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

Rest of the World

Looking at North America, despite having a competition like Major League Soccer (MLS), the United States and Canada turned out to be spectators for the 2018 edition of the World Cup.

No doubt MLS provides valuable exposure for players, but the question is that if the formula is a successful one.

A side like Australia who despite having a regular A-League competition struggled and eventually bombed out at the group stage of the World Cup.

So having a professional and robust competition is it enough to benefit the national teams?

Cut to the round of 16 stage of the World Cup—no African confederation team made it, Japan was the lone Asian representative while Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay the four South America reps. Mexico carried the hopes of the North America confederation but failed once again to go past the round of 16.

Confirmation of US, Mexico and Canada, hosting the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup may have been the only positive news coming from the 2018 FIFA World Cup. But is this enough to inspire for the 2022 qualification.

Last Words

Exciting times are ahead with the league seasons from around the globe starting in the coming weeks. The various player transfers amongst which superstar Cristiano Ronaldo bidding Real Madrid farewell to join Italian club Juventus.

With the conclusion of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the next four-year cycle is set to begin for many countries as focus turns to qualification for the 2022 event which will be held in Qatar.