It is common knowledge that for many years, the process for selecting host nations was flawed. Over the years, voting was increasingly not about what was fair or even good for the game but it politically and strategic led.
So in that environment, some nations that didn't have sufficient influence were left in the cold. I do believe FIFA has acted to limit that typically unfair system that self serving humans specialise in. Despite that, the unevenness of it remains.
The yellow side shows the year the tournament was held, the number of participating countries, and the which ones they were or will be. The 2023 WC will also feature Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, who will each host opening celebration matches to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup.
The blue side shows the inequality starkly. Mexico first hosted in 1970 and now has done so three times. Spain will son be twice since 1982 and the USA twice since 1994.
It's good to see many first time nations are recent ones, from Portugal down to Russia. On the negative side is Argentina not since 1978, and England inexplicably back at 1966. Those even before them are smaller nations that could at best piggyback on larger hosts.
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