Set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has excluded three nations—Russia, Congo, and Pakistan—due to separate controversies, reported Sports Tak on Wednesday.
The tournament will feature 48 teams. According to the reports, Pakistan’s suspension stems from administrative failures, Russia remains banned due to geopolitical sanctions and Congo is excluded for third-party interference in its football federation.
With Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) failed to adopt a revised constitution aimed at ensuring fair and democratic elections, it was suspended by FIFA. For the ban to be lifted, the PFF Congress needs to approve the new constitution of FIFA. As per stats, Pakistan had finished last in Group G of the AFC qualifiers.
Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Russian Football Union (RFU) has been banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions. Following this decision, neither the men’s nor women’s teams can compete in the World Cup or European Championships. Not only this, domestic clubs are also barred from UEFA competitions.
Last, but not the least, Congo’s suspension has been imposed due to involvement of undue third-party interference in the affairs of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT). In consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), FIFA halted Congo’s participation until specific conditions are met. It includes ceasing unauthorized financial changes and regaining control of their headquarters. Congo sits at the bottom of Group E in CAF qualifiers.
Previous bans:
Since 1950, FIFA has banned 17 countries for violating its official regulations. Telegrafi reported that 17 countries have been expelled from FIFA since 2006.
Earlier in the 1950 World Cup, Germany and Japan were banned, while South Africa was banned from the 1970 World Cup to the 1990 World Cup. Mexico was banned from the 1990 World Cup, Chile was suspended for the 1994 World Cup, and Myanmar was banned from competing in the qualifying stages for the 2006 edition in Germany.
Year-wise FIFA has banned these countries: Russia (2022 World Cup, Euro 2024), Iraq (2008 and 2009), Nigeria (2014), Kuwait (2015), Indonesia (2015), Guatemala (2016), Pakistan (2017, 2021, 2021, 2021, 2025), Chad (22) and Congo (2022).
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