On July 4, 2026, fans in Dhaka, Bangladesh celebrated Argentina's star Lionel Messi scoring his first goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, no Argentinians were in attendance; instead, local fans donned the famous albiceleste jerseys, having adopted Argentina as their team due to their own nation's failure to qualify.
World Cup Participation Among Major Nations
Among the world's 10 most populous countries, only the United States and Brazil qualified for the current World Cup. Meanwhile, Russia and Nigeria have participated in past tournaments. Countries like China and Indonesia have only qualified once, while nations such as India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Pakistan are still dreaming of their first appearance.
Notably, India technically qualified for the 1950 World Cup but withdrew shortly before the tournament. Renowned Bangladeshi actor and football fan Audite Karim expressed frustration, stating, "It is simply unacceptable that a country with millions of football fans should lag so far behind in football."
The Impact of Population on Football Success
Despite the notion that larger populations provide more potential athletes, this has not translated into World Cup success for many populous nations. According to British economist Stefan Szymanski, successful footballing countries often possess wealth and infrastructure, alongside a large population. He notes, "Football is very similar to how national economies work. For them to thrive, you need people. But then you also need capital and infrastructure."
Szymanski's research in Soccernomics indicates that countries typically need a minimum annual average income per capita of $15,000 to achieve success in football. Yet, both Brazil and Argentina, with incomes below this threshold, have collectively won eight World Cup titles.
The Role of Historical Experience in Football
Experience also plays a crucial role in a nation's footballing success. Countries that have played the game longer, particularly in competitive regions like South America and Europe, tend to excel. For instance, Uruguay, with a population of just 3.5 million, has won two World Cups due to its historical engagement in the sport. Their first international game occurred in 1902, well before Brazil's debut.
In contrast, nations like Ethiopia struggle with inadequate investment in football. While the country won the African Cup of Nations in 1962, it has never qualified for the World Cup. Local media reports highlight the acute underinvestment in the sport, with the Ethiopian Premier League hosting over 380 matches in just three approved stadiums this season.
Similarly, in South Asia, the popularity of cricket may hinder football development. India, as a dominant cricket nation, faces challenges in promoting football, with resources often diverted to cricket.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
