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Why have so few European teams won so far?

Why have so few European teams won so far?

Summary

The 2026 World Cup has seen a record number of draws, with eight out of the first 16 matches ending without a winner. Many European teams have struggled to win early games, and South American teams have not won any matches so far. High temperatures and the new tournament format may be factors in these results.

Key Facts

  • Eight of the first 16 World Cup 2026 matches ended in draws, a new record at this stage.
  • Four matches on one day ended all without a winner, a first since 1958.
  • The tournament now has 48 teams, with only 16 teams eliminated after the group stage, making draws less risky.
  • European teams have struggled, with only three of ten winning their opening game so far.
  • No South American team has won a match yet; Brazil and Uruguay both drew their games.
  • Some matches are played in hot weather over 30°C, affecting players and the playing surface.
  • Asian and African teams have performed well, getting points from higher-ranked teams.
  • Experts note technical issues and missed passes for some strong teams, such as Brazil.
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