FIFA has banned 17 countries for breaking official regulations as major 2026 World Cup decision made
FIFA has imposed bans on 17 countries for violating official regulations, with three nations having their football associations suspended due to “serious circumstances” as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
As of February 2025, 211 countries are ranked in FIFA’s men’s world rankings, while 194 nations compete in women’s international football.
Russia, currently banned from FIFA-sanctioned events due to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, is one of the countries affected. FIFA and UEFA decided to extend Russia’s ban through the 2026 World Cup.
Additionally, FIFA has suspended the football federations of Congo and Pakistan due to severe issues, effectively preventing their participation in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Since 2006, FIFA has banned 17 countries, some of which have since been reinstated, while others remain banned. Most of these bans are due to third-party interference, typically from government entities in football matters.
Germany and Japan (1950 World Cup)
Both Germany and Japan were banned from the 1950 World Cup, the first after World War II, due to their wartime actions. Japan’s Football Association faced suspension in 1945 for failing to pay dues, while Germany’s federation was dissolved in 1945 and not reformed until after the World Cup.
South Africa (1970 World Cup – 1990 World Cup)
South Africa’s suspension began in 1961 due to its apartheid policies, although FIFA president Sir Stanley Rous resisted expulsion calls until 1976. The ban persisted until 1991, after apartheid ended and a new football federation was formed. South Africa did not participate in the 1990 World Cup.
Mexico (1990 World Cup)
Mexico was banned for two years from FIFA competitions after fielding four ineligible players in a junior World Cup qualifier, causing them to miss the 1990 World Cup, which West Germany won.
Mexico (1990 World Cup)
Mexico was banned for two years from FIFA competitions after fielding four ineligible players in a junior World Cup qualifier, causing them to miss the 1990 World Cup, which West Germany won.
Chile (1994 World Cup)
Chile missed the 1994 World Cup after goalkeeper Roberto Rojas faked an injury during a match against Brazil, claiming a flare had injured him. He was later banned for life from football.
Myanmar (2006 World Cup)
Myanmar, which has never qualified for a World Cup, was banned from competing in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers after withdrawing from a 2002 qualifier against Iran. The country was also fined $23,500.
Other countries banned by FIFA include Russia (2022 World Cup, Euro 2024), Iraq (2008 and 2009), Nigeria (2014), Kuwait (2015), Indonesia (2015), Guatemala (2016), Pakistan (2017, 2021, 2025), Chad (2021), Zimbabwe (2022), Kenya (2022), and Congo (2025).
FIFA has a history of imposing bans on countries for violations of its regulations, often relating to issues like third-party interference, political conflicts, or misconduct within the sport. Here’s a summary of notable bans and the reasons behind them:
Recent Bans (2025)
Russia: Extended ban from FIFA and UEFA competitions, including the 2026 World Cup, due to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Pakistan: Football federation suspended over governance issues, making them ineligible for the 2026 World Cup.
Congo: Similarly suspended for severe internal issues.
Historic Bans by FIFA
Germany and Japan (1950 World Cup): Both nations were banned following World War II for wartime actions. Japan’s Football Association faced financial non-compliance, while Germany’s federation was dissolved post-war.
South Africa (1970–1990 World Cups): Banned due to apartheid policies. Suspension ended in 1991 after apartheid was dismantled.
Mexico (1990 World Cup): Banned for fielding ineligible players in a junior World Cup qualifier.
Chile (1994 World Cup): Suspended after goalkeeper Roberto Rojas staged an injury during a qualifier against Brazil.
Myanmar (2006 World Cup): Banned for withdrawing from a 2002 qualifier against Iran and fined $23,500.
Other Notable Cases
Iraq (2008–2009): Governance issues within the football federation.
Nigeria (2014): Political interference in football administration.
Kuwait (2015): Banned for government interference in football.
Indonesia (2015): Suspended due to issues with the national football federation.
Guatemala (2016): Governance problems and failure to align with FIFA statutes.
Pakistan (2017, 2021): Persistent governance issues led to repeated bans.
Chad and Zimbabwe (2021, 2022): Suspended for political interference in football operations.
Kenya (2022): Governance issues.
Russia (2022 World Cup): Banned following the invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA’s approach reflects its strict stance on safeguarding the independence and integrity of football associations while also addressing broader ethical and governance issues.
