That's something that is discussed before about the World Cup hosts getting automatic qualification without any condition with other teams.
The fact about this rule is some countries are not even in the situation to play in the world cup but they are playing there just because they are hosting it. But, imagine a country like America is hosting the next world cup but they don't play there, I think their people will lose interest to host this tournament, and maybe that's why they made this rule.
I don't agree with this argument. If just one country is hosting the tournament, then it is still OK. And in 2026, three countries are being given automatic qualification, and if they go through the regular qualification process then in all probability none of these teams would secure qualification. And things will get even more complicated in 2030, in case the combined bid from Argentina-Uruguay-Chile-Paraguay wins hosting rights. In this case 4 countries will be given automatic qualification and only two slots will be given for CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Seriously, if the hosting nation does not participate in the group stage, it would be a stupid situation for the domestic fans and the argument that there is less enthusiasm in the streets of the hosting country when they don't even play is of course true. The difference would be huge! What if you go in a local bar and the home country is playing, do you know what's going on in that bar? Everyone will be cheering, commentating, laughing, screaming, hoping for the goal of their own nation in order to stay in the tournament. Saying that it doesn't matter whether the hosting nation plays or not is nonsense. All these domestic people are welcoming the guests with joy and of course I would want the hosting nation to get a free ticket to play the group stage. They've done the work to create a welcoming atmosphere and even if they are an inferior sports team, it would still create a lot of positive if energy if they can participate. It should remain as it is that the hosting nations can play the group stage without qualifying.
Think about the pressure during the qualifiers while they are turning their country upside down to be a successful host and then in the last game they miss the qualification. That would be bad.