Eight most populous countries miss out on FIFA World Cup 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 9:09 AM
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
As of July 4, 2026, only two of the ten most populous countries, the United States and Brazil, have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Nations like India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, despite their large populations, have not reached the tournament, with fans adopting other teams like Argentina. Economists suggest that a combination of factors such as infrastructure, investment, and footballing history contribute to the disparity in success among nations. Countries like India have historically struggled, with their last qualification occurring in 1950, when they withdrew from the tournament. As other nations gain experience and investment, the gap continues for those yet to qualify.
- •Only two populous countries, the US and Brazil, are in the World Cup.
- •Fans in Bangladesh support Argentina due to their own team's absence.
- •India and Bangladesh have never qualified; India withdrew from the 1950 tournament.
- •Investment and infrastructure issues hinder football growth in several countries.
- •Economists suggest population alone does not determine football success.
- 9:09 AMYahoo Sports — Eight of the 10 most populous countries are not in the World Cup
- 9:09 AMBBC Sport — Eight of the 10 most populous countries are not in the World Cup
"Many countries with massive populations consistently miss out on football’s biggest party. What can they do to change their sporting fortunes?
"Many countries with massive populations consistently miss out on football’s biggest party. What can they do to change their sporting fortunes?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 4, 2026, 9:09 AMEight of the 10 most populous countries are not in the World Cup
Many countries with massive populations consistently miss out on football’s biggest party. What can they do to change their sporting fortunes?
- BBC SportJul 4, 2026, 9:09 AMEight of the 10 most populous countries are not in the World Cup
Many countries with massive populations consistently miss out on football’s biggest party. What can they do to change their sporting fortunes?
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