Eight Countries Yet to Qualify for FIFA World Cup

A report highlights eight countries that have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, despite their significant populations. India, with approximately 1.4 billion people, tops the list, having withdrawn from the 1950 World Cup in Brazil.

Indonesia, with nearly 278 million people, last qualified as the Dutch East Indies in 1938 and hopes to reach the 2026 finals. Pakistan follows with a population of 243 million but remains overshadowed by cricket.

Bangladesh, with around 169 million, is known for its enthusiasm during World Cup tournaments but has not qualified. Ethiopia, home to 125 million people, came closest to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup but lost in the final round of African playoffs.

The Philippines (113 million), Vietnam (99 million), and Thailand (71 million) also have large populations but have not secured a World Cup spot. The report emphasizes that population size alone does not guarantee football success, as strong domestic leagues, quality coaching, and youth development programs are essential.