FIFA has banned 17 countries for breaking official regulations as major 2026 World Cup decision made FIFA have put their foot down ahead of the 2026 World Cup! ❌🏆. Dont be surprised that your country is among them!!! 😳🙀😮💨
FIFA’s Ban on Countries: A History of Suspensions and Violations
FIFA has imposed bans on 17 countries for breaching its regulations, with three football federations currently suspended due to “serious circumstances” as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
Global Football Participation
As of February 2025, FIFA’s men’s rankings include 211 nations, while 194 countries compete in women’s international football.
Recent Bans and Ongoing Suspensions
Russia remains barred from FIFA-sanctioned competitions due to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Both FIFA and UEFA have extended this suspension, preventing Russia’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. Similarly, the football associations of Congo and Pakistan have been suspended due to severe governance issues, disqualifying them from the upcoming tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Since 2006, FIFA has banned 17 countries for various reasons. While some have been reinstated, others remain ineligible. Most bans stem from third-party interference, typically when governments influence football matters, violating FIFA’s independence policies.
Notable Historical FIFA Bans
Germany and Japan – 1950 World Cup
Following World War II, both Germany and Japan were excluded from the first post-war World Cup. Japan’s football association faced suspension in 1945 for non-payment of dues, while Germany’s federation was dissolved and only reformed after the tournament.
South Africa – 1970 to 1990 World Cups
South Africa was suspended in 1961 due to its apartheid policies, though FIFA president Sir Stanley Rous initially resisted the move. In 1976, FIFA formally expelled South Africa, and the ban lasted until 1991, after apartheid ended and a new football federation was established.
Mexico – 1990 World Cup
Mexico faced a two-year suspension from FIFA competitions after it was discovered that four ineligible players had participated in a junior World Cup qualifier. As a result, Mexico was absent from the 1990 tournament, which was won by West Germany.
Chile – 1994 World Cup
Chile was banned from the 1994 World Cup after goalkeeper Roberto Rojas faked an injury during a crucial qualifier against Brazil, falsely claiming a flare had injured him. The scandal led to Rojas being permanently banned from football.
Myanmar – 2006 World Cup
Myanmar, a nation yet to qualify for a World Cup, was barred from the 2006 qualifiers as punishment for withdrawing from a 2002 match against Iran. FIFA also imposed a $23,500 fine on the country.
Other Countries with FIFA Suspensions
FIFA has banned several other nations over governance issues, political interference, and football-related misconduct:
Russia (2022 World Cup, Euro 2024) – Banned following the invasion of Ukraine.
Iraq (2008–2009) – Suspended over internal governance disputes.
Nigeria (2014) – Banned due to government interference in football administration.
Kuwait (2015) – Sanctioned for state interference in football affairs.
Indonesia (2015) – Suspended over leadership conflicts in its football federation.
Guatemala (2016) – Banned for failing to comply with FIFA statutes.
Pakistan (2017, 2021, 2025) – Repeated governance issues leading to multiple suspensions.
Chad & Zimbabwe (2021, 2022) – Banned due to political interference in football operations.
Kenya (2022) – Suspended for governance-related issues.
FIFA’s Stance on Football Integrity
FIFA enforces strict regulations to protect football federations from political and third-party influence, ensuring the sport remains independent. These bans highlight FIFA’s commitment to maintaining governance s
tandards and addressing ethical concerns in global football.
