European squads have gathered notable momentum during this World Cup, though their early results prompted questions after seven of the first ten teams from the continent failed to win opening group matches.

High temperatures across North America drew attention before the event, leading several nations including England to select warm training bases for better preparation ahead of initial fixtures.

Nevertheless, few coaches attributed their sluggish openings directly to the weather conditions.

Following Belgium's opening draw against Egypt, manager Rudi Garcia noted that performance should improve regardless of temperatures between 10 and 30 degrees, while Switzerland coach Murat Yakin highlighted missed opportunities after a 1-1 result with Qatar.

European sides later found their rhythm, finishing the group phase with 17 victories, 12 draws and seven defeats against non-European opponents.

During the knockout rounds, several European nations demonstrated resilience under pressure.

England's challenging trip to face Mexico at the Azteca in the last 16 required handling altitude and an intense atmosphere, yet they delivered a strong display to advance.

Former England striker Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport that the result proved the squad could win the World Cup and that confidence levels would rise sharply.

France overcame Paraguay's tactical approach to reach the quarterfinals, while Belgium managed expectations at home to defeat co-hosts USA in the last 16 and will next meet European champions Spain.

Former England defender Matt Upson observed on BBC One that Belgium showed positive indications but must perform well against Spain's strong midfield.

Europe was expected to feature prominently given its allocation of 16 places, the highest of any confederation.

Even with the expanded 48-team format and additional knockout round, their dominance stands out as Brazil exited early and co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the USA departed in the last 16.

European nations also lead the Fifa world rankings, occupying five of the top eight spots, with four of those advancing to the quarterfinals. Portugal, ranked seventh, fell to Spain in an all-European last-16 clash.

France began as favorites and have met expectations, with Kylian Mbappe among Golden Boot contenders after seven goals.

Many BBC pundits also selected them to lift the trophy before the tournament started.

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy cited France's attacking options as decisive in extra time under hot conditions against fatigued opponents.

Former France defender Gael Clichy highlighted France, Spain and England as likely to progress far, noting Spain's success at youth levels while favoring his home nation.

Reaching this stage for France, Spain and England would not be unexpected.

Yet a few European teams have exceeded forecasts.

Norway are capitalizing on their first World Cup appearance since 1998, with Erling Haaland performing strongly and already on seven goals ahead of a quarterfinal against England.

Switzerland have also thrived, staying composed to win a penalty shootout against Colombia in the last 16 despite a tense setting.

The result marks the first time Murat Yakin's team have reached the quarterfinals since 1954, though they face a difficult test against defending champions Argentina next.

Yakin described the achievement as historic for Swiss football and emphasized that the journey continues.

European sides aim to sustain their form and secure a World Cup victory away from their own continent.