Brazil boss Tite hits back at Kylian Mbappe with brutal 'Azerbaijan' jibe ahead of the World Cup

France's victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia was the fourth consecutive time that a European nation had won the most coveted trophy in football, following victories for Germany (2014), Spain (2010) and Italy (2006).

Brazil were the last non-European team to win the World Cup back in 2002 but have reached the semi-finals just once since then.

Earlier this year, Mbappe provided a potential reason for why Europe has dominated the World Cup in the last two decades.

"Argentina and Brazil don't have that level of competition in South America, the football is not as developed as in Europe, that is why most recent World Cup winners have been Europeans," he said.

"We don't have, with all due respect, Azerbaijan to play. We don't have anyone that gives you a break.

"The qualifiers here have a much higher degree of difficulty than the group stage [of European qualifying]."

Mbappe's comments have also attracted criticism from Argentina international Lautaro Martinez.

"I saw what [Mbappe] said, but Argentina and Brazil have players of great quality and talent," said the Inter Milan forward.

"Brazil, just like us, has most of its players in Europe. I thought it was an unfair comment."

Argentina are third-favourites behind Brazil and France to win the World Cup, which gets underway on November 20.

England, meanwhile, are fourth favourites to win the tournament for the first time since 1966.

Is Mbappe right about South American teams? Let us know your thoughts.