Eight of the 10 most populous countries are not in the World Cup
The article explores why many of the world's most populous nations, such as India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, struggle to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. It examines the disconnect between population size and footballing success, noting that passion for the sport does not always translate to elite performance.
Why it matters
It addresses the structural and historical factors that influence global sports participation and the dominance of specific regions in international football.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Fernando Duarte BBC World Service Getty Images Without a team in the World Cup, Bangladeshi fans have "adopted" other nations such as Argentina There was mayhem at the packed gathering of fans on 17 June, when Argentina star Lionel Messi scored his first 2026 Fifa World Cup goal by coolly slotting the ball past the Algerian goalkeeper.
The article uses data and expert commentary to explain a sporting phenomenon without taking a political stance.
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