6.Wales (3.1 million)
Population – 3.1 million
Qualified – 1958
Best performance – 1958 Quarterfinals
Wales made their only previous finals appearance in 1958 when they were beaten by eventual winners Brazil in the quarterfinals. For all that, in Gothenburg 58 years ago they defended well, fought hard, and lost in the end by a single goal, scored by Pelé in the second half. However, an injury to star player John Charles ruled him out of the match hampering their chances.
Wales lost 1–0 with Pelé scoring his first international goal. The tournament was eventually won by Brazil who beat Sweden 5-2 in the final.
Wales drew each of their group games at the 1958 World Cup, a run that included a clean sheet against hosts and eventual runners-up Sweden. They then set up a quarter-final against eventual winners Brazil, after coming from behind to beat 1954 runners-up Hungary 2-1 in a play-off.