Multiple outlets highlight a recurring pattern: most of the world’s most populous nations are not represented at the FIFA World Cup. The coverage notes that eight of the 10 countries with the largest populations are absent from the tournament, underscoring how population size does not automatically translate into qualifying success. The articles compare these countries’ footballing outcomes and point to differences in competitive depth, infrastructure, domestic development pathways, coaching, and long-term talent cultivation. They also reference that some of these nations either fail to progress through regional qualifying or do not reach the tournament consistently. Rather than focusing on one country, the reporting frames the issue as broader—suggesting that changing sporting results would require sustained improvements across multiple areas, including youth development, league structures, player pathways, and performance at the national level. Overall, the sources present the lack of participation by large-population countries as a continuing feature of international football qualification and raise questions about what policies or reforms could help these nations become regular World Cup contenders.