A detailed list of countries that have never been to the World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is arguably the most popular and competitive football event globally. Held every four years, the tournament has attracted some of the best teams and players fighting for the top prize. Countries that have never been to the World Cup have never experienced the tournament's magic.

Countries secure their World Cup slots by qualifying from their confederations. Participating nations must also be members of the world's football governing body, FIFA. Some nations have shown positive progress in qualifying for the event, but others continue struggling.

Countries that have never been to the World Cup

How many countries have never been in the World Cup? According to Sporting News and Knel Now, 134 countries out of the 210 recognised by FIFA have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. The prestigious tournament features 32 nations competing against each other for the prize.

The football federation expanded the number to 48 in the 2026 edition. Here are the top 10 best countries that have never been to a World Cup, ranked based on their population from World Population Review. Also, discover their latest FIFA ranking as of March 2024.

Uganda national football team history, achievements, players, world rankings

Football

10. Kenya

Kenyan football has faced multiple challenges, including FIFA ban, mismanagement and poor results. Most Kenyans love football, but the hope of seeing their country play in the World Cup remains a pipe dream following the challenges.

• National team nickname: Harambee Stars
• Association: Football Kenya Federation (FKF)
• Confederation: Confederation of African Football (CAF)
• FIFA points: 1181.92
• 2022 World Cup qualification record: Second Round (Third in AFC Group E)
• Legends: Dennis Oliech, Victor Wanyama

9. Myanmar

Myanmar is one of the founding member countries of the Asian Football Confederation. The Myanmar Football Federation runs all football activities in the country. They dominated the continent in the 60s and 70s.

Sudan national football team: roster, coach, world rankings, AFCON, nickname

Football

• National team nickname: Asian Lions
• Association: Myanmar Football Federation (MFF)
• Confederation: Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
• FIFA points: 1000.46
• 2022 World Cup qualification record: Second Round (Fifth in AFC Group F)
• Legends: Suk Bahadur, Kyi Lin

8. Tanzania

The East African nation has also struggled in football but has shown positive signs of improving after qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

• National team nickname: Taifa Stars
• Association: Tanzania Football Federation (TFF)
• Confederation: Confederation of African Football (CAF)
• FIFA points: 1160.98
• 2022 World Cup qualification record: Second Round (Third in CAF Group J)
• Legends: Mbwana Samatta, Mwadini Ali

7. Thailand

Thailand is one of the best tourist destinations, known for its scenic jungles, mountains, islands, and cities. However, the country's football history undermines its reputation in the sporting world.

• National team nickname: War Elephants
• Association: Football Association of Thailand (FA Thailand)
• Confederation: Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
• FIFA points: 1206.72
• 2022 World Cup qualification record: Second Round (Fourth in AFC Group G)
• Legend: Kiatisuk "Zico" Senamuang

Top details about Kenya's national football team: history, squad, coach, world rankings

Football

6. Vietnam

The Smart Local reveals how Vietnam's football has transformed from the 20th Century to the 21st Century. The national team enjoyed a golden era between 2007 and 2017, including winning the AFF Championship, but their World Cup dreams remain unfulfilled.

• National team nickname: Golden Star Warriors
• Association: Vietnam Football Federation (VFF)
• Confederation: Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
• FIFA points: 1194.58
• 2022 World Cup qualification record: Third Round (Sixth in AFC Group E)
• Legends: Le Cong Vinh, Do Hung Dung

5. Philippines

The Philippines has over 100 million people but ranks among the countries that have never been in the FIFA World Cup. The national team has come close to qualifying on multiple occasions and will try again to book their first slot in 2026.

• National team nickname: Azkals
• Association: Philippine Football Federation (PFF)
• Confederation: Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
• FIFA points: 1086.17
• 2022 World Cup qualification record: Second round (Third in AFC Group A)
• Legend: Paulino Alcántara

Is Egypt's national football team the most successful in Africa?

Football

4. Ethiopia

Football is the most popular sport in Ethiopia, followed by millions of people from grassroots to professional levels. The national team has competed in dozens of international games and even won the 1962 AFCON title, but playing the World Cup has remained a mystery.

• National team nickname: The Walia Ibex
• Association: Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF)
• Confederation: Confederation of African Football (CAF)
• FIFA points: 1068.79
• 2022 World Cup qualification record: First Round exit
• Legends: Dugna Deyas, Imaye Taga

3. Bangladesh

Cricket is the most popular sport in Bangladesh, followed by football, according to Topend Sports. Millions of Bangladeshi citizens follow football despite their low ranking in FIFA.

• National team nickname: Red and Green
• Association: Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF)
• Confederation: Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
• FIFA points: 916.75
• 2022 World Cup qualification record: Second Round (Fifth in AFC Group E)
• Legends: Aminul Haque, Jamal Bhuyan, Mamunul Islam

Morocco national football team: squad, coach, world rankings, AFCON, nickname

Football

2. Pakistan

Pakistan has made significant strides in improving its football amidst the popularity of cricket. They are among the worst teams in the FIFA ranking, with little hope of playing in the World Cup.

• National team nickname: The Falcons
• Association: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)
• Confederation: Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
• FIFA points: 856.54
• 2022 World Cup qualification record: First Round
• Legends: Abdul Ghafoor, Jaffar Khan

1. India

According to the 2024 World Population Review stats, India is the most populous country after China, yet they have never entered the World Cup. The cricket nation has produced exceptional football talents, such as veteran captain Sunil Chhetri.

Goal ranked Sunil as the fourth all-time top goal scorer in international football with 93 goals in 143 caps. Only Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi have scored more than him for their countries.

• National team nickname: The Blue Tigers
• Association: All India Football Federation
• Confederation: Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
• FIFA points: 1165.17
• 2022 World Cup qualification record: Second Round (Third in AFC Group E)
• Legend: Sunil Chhetri

Libya's national football team players, coach, FIFA world rankings, and nickname

Football

Frequently asked questions

The FIFA tournament attracts billions of viewers, who tune in to watch teams and players fight for glory. Countries that have never played in the World Cup have also missed the experience and revenue earned from the competition. Here are the most frequently asked questions by users.

Which are the European countries that have never qualified for the World Cup?

UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) enjoys the most slots in the FIFA World Cup, but several European countries have yet to qualify for the tournament. They include;

• Luxembourg
• Finland
• Cyprus
• Albania
• Malta
• Estonia
• Lithuania
• Latvia
• Faroe Islands
• San Marino
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Liechtenstein
• Macedonia
• Moldova
• Andorra
• Montenegro
• Gibraltar
• Kosovo

What countries have never been to the World Cup from South America?

Venezuela is the only CONEMBOL member that has never qualified for the World Cup.

Which country has never missed a World Cup?

History of the Serbia national football team, how many trophies have they won?

Football

According to Football History, Brazil is the only country that has played all World Cups (22) since the tournament's inception in 1930. Germany has 20 appearances, followed by Italy (18), Argentina (18), and France (16).

How many countries participated in the first football World Cup?

Thirteen countries from three confederations participated in the inaugural edition of the FIFA tournament in 1930 in Uruguay. They are:

• Argentina
• Belgium
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Chile
• Mexico
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Romania
• United States
• Uruguay (hosts)
• Yugoslavia

What is the biggest defeat in World Cup history?

Hungary's 10-1 win over El Salvador in 1982 ranks among the biggest World Cup defeats. Others include Yugoslavia's 9-0 demolition of Zaire in 1974 and Hungary's 9-0 victory over South Korea in 1954.

Final

Countries that have never been to the World Cup have demonstrated an unwavering passion for football and produced glaring talents. Some of the nations have shown great potential and progress towards playing in the tournament.

Details about England's national football team, history, players and achievements

Football

READ ALSO: Top 10 most expensive football trophies in the world

Sports Brief revealed the most expensive football trophies and their worth. Soccer has exciting tournaments where winning teams lift a trophy. From the FIFA World Cup to the UEFA Champions League, follow the above link to discover football's most expensive trophies.