17 nationwide groups banned from FIFA World Cups: Three set to overlook 2026 version

The FIFA World Cup is the top of worldwide soccer, with nations all over the world dreaming of participation. Nevertheless, qualification isn’t the one hurdle—some nations have been outright banned from competing attributable to violations of FIFA laws.

Since 1950, FIFA has banned 17 nationwide groups from the match, normally attributable to political interference, disciplinary violations, or extraordinary circumstances. As of 2025, three nations—Russia, Congo, and Pakistan—are at present banned from the 2026 World Cup.

Historic World Cup bans (1950–Nineteen Nineties)

Germany & Japan (1950) – Fallout from World Warfare II

After World Warfare II, Germany and Japan have been barred from the primary post-war World Cup in 1950. Japan’s soccer affiliation was additionally briefly suspended, whereas Germany’s governing physique was dissolved and needed to be reformed earlier than rejoining worldwide soccer.

South Africa (1970–1990) – Apartheid exclusion

Resulting from its apartheid insurance policies, South Africa was initially suspended from FIFA in 1961 and later expelled in 1976 underneath stress from anti-apartheid campaigns. The ban was lifted in 1991 after apartheid ended, permitting South Africa to rejoin worldwide competitions.

Mexico (1990) – The “Cachirules” scandal

Mexico was disqualified from the 1990 World Cup after fielding 4 overage gamers in a youth match. FIFA handed the nation a two-year ban from all competitions, stopping them from collaborating in Italia ’90.

Chile (1994) – The Rojas incident

Chile was expelled from the 1994 World Cup after goalkeeper Roberto Rojas faked an damage in a 1989 qualifier towards Brazil. He claimed to have been hit by a firework, however investigations revealed he had deliberately lower himself with a hidden blade. FIFA banned Rojas for all times (later lifted in 2001), and Chile was barred from the following World Cup.

Myanmar (2006) – Withdrawal from Qualifiers

Myanmar was banned from qualifying for the 2006 World Cup after refusing to play a scheduled 2002 qualifier in Iran. They have been additionally fined $23,500 for his or her withdrawal.

Fashionable bans (2008–Current)

Iraq (2008) – Political interference

Iraq was briefly suspended after its authorities dissolved the nation’s Olympic committee and sports activities federations. The ban was later lifted, permitting Iraq to return to worldwide soccer.

Nigeria (2014) – Authorities intervention

Nigeria confronted a short-lived FIFA suspension after its authorities interfered in soccer administration. The ban was shortly reversed after compliance with FIFA laws.

Kuwait (2015) – Political interference

Kuwait was banned attributable to recurring political interference in its soccer affairs. The ban lasted till the nation made administrative adjustments.

Indonesia (2015) – Authorities towards soccer federation

Indonesia confronted a FIFA ban attributable to authorities interference within the nation’s soccer federation, stopping them from participating within the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Guatemala (2016) – Governance points

Guatemala was suspended after FIFA accused its federation of corruption and improper governance. The ban was finally lifted.

Pakistan (2017, 2021 & 2025) – Repeated suspensions

Pakistan has been banned a number of instances attributable to governance disputes and exterior interference. Their most up-to-date suspension in 2025 means they are going to miss the 2026 World Cup.

Chad (2021) – Authorities interference

FIFA suspended Chad attributable to authorities management over its soccer federation, stopping the nation from collaborating in worldwide matches.

Russia (2022 & 2026) – Ukraine invasion fallout

Following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia was banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions, together with the 2022 World Cup. This ban has been prolonged by way of 2026, making Russia one of many three nations at present barred from competing.

Zimbabwe (2022) – Dissolution of soccer federation

Zimbabwe was suspended after its government-appointed Sports activities and Recreation Fee disbanded the nation’s soccer federation.

Kenya (2022) – Monetary mismanagement

Kenya was briefly banned attributable to monetary irregularities in its soccer administration however was later reinstated.

Congo (2025) – Newest ban for exterior interference

Congo was lately banned for governance points, making it one of many three groups at present ineligible for the 2026 World Cup.