Nations That Have Never Played in a Men’s World Cup

 

Since its inception in 1930, the FIFA World Cup has been the pinnacle of world football. Over the years, 

the tournament has grown from 13 participants in Uruguay to 32 in Qatar (2022) — and will expand to 48 nations in 2026.

Despite this growth, several countries with rich footballing traditions and even large populations have never qualified for a men’s World Cup. 

Here’s a look at some of the most notable nations still chasing their first appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Albania

Despite qualifying for Euro 2016 and Euro 2024, Albania have never managed to reach a World Cup. 

They’re currently battling in UEFA Group K alongside England and Serbia, hoping to make history.

Bangladesh

Football is hugely popular in Bangladesh, a nation of over 170 million people. 

Yet the Bengal Tigers have never qualified, despite first entering World Cup qualifying in 1974.

Belarus

Since becoming independent from the Soviet Union in 1990, 

Belarus have never qualified for a World Cup or even a European Championship. 

They face tough competition in Group C against Denmark, Greece, and Scotland for 2026.

Finland

While Finland reached Euro 2020 and have produced notable football stars, 

they have never played at a men’s World Cup. Ice hockey remains the most popular sport in the country.

Georgia

After gaining independence from the Soviet Union, Georgia has made steady progress. 

They reached the Round of 16 at Euro 2024, but a World Cup debut remains elusive.

Guatemala

Unlike their Central American neighbors Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, and El Salvador, 

Guatemala has never reached the World Cup. They’ve come close, reaching the final round of CONCACAF qualifying four times.

India

Home to over 1.4 billion people, India has never qualified for the men’s World Cup. Despite football’s popularity, 

especially in regions like Kerala and West Bengal, cricket remains the nation’s dominant sport.

Indonesia

Indonesia has never qualified under its current name, though the Dutch East Indies

played in the 1938 World Cup. With a population of over 280 million, they remain one of the world’s biggest untapped football nations.

Kenya

With passionate fans and a population of 50 million, Kenya has made appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations but has never reached a World Cup. 

Their first attempt at qualifying came in 1974.

Liberia

Despite producing legendary forward George Weah — Africa’s only Ballon d’Or winner — Liberia has never made it to a World Cup.

Malaysia

Football is widely followed in Malaysia, but the national team has never broken through. 

Ranked outside the FIFA top 130, they remain far from qualifying for the world stage.

Mali

Mali have enjoyed success at youth level and reached six AFCON semi-finals, 

yet they’ve never qualified for a World Cup. Their strong football culture makes them one of Africa’s biggest underachievers.

Pakistan

With over 240 million people, Pakistan is one of the largest nations never to feature at a World Cup. 

Ranked near the bottom of FIFA rankings, football lags far behind cricket in popularity.

Philippines

Football is growing in the Philippines, but historically, 

basketball and boxing have dominated. Currently ranked outside the FIFA top 150, the Azkals have never made it to a World Cup.

Thailand

The “War Elephants” have reached the final round of Asian qualifying twice (2002, 2018), 

but a World Cup remains out of reach. They did appear at the Olympic football tournaments in 1956 and 1968.

Venezuela

The only CONMEBOL nation never to have qualified for the men’s World Cup. Baseball has historically been the national sport, 

but with six automatic South American slots available for 2026, Venezuela has a strong chance of finally breaking their drought.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 FIFA World Cup expansion to 48 teams could be a historic moment for many of these nations. 

With more qualification slots available across confederations, teams like Venezuela, Mali, and Georgia

may finally get the breakthrough they’ve been waiting for.

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