The pinnacle of international football is the World Cup. Every nation aspires to be there. As nations vie to be the finest in the world, billions of people watch, and nobody wants to be on the outside looking in. Many nations participate in the qualifying stage in an attempt to join the celebration, even though only the best of the best are eligible to participate.
However, FIFA has prohibited several countries from even attempting to participate throughout the years. It was recently announced that Russia would be joined by Pakistan and Congo on the list of nations prohibited from participating in the 2026 World Cup in the United States and Canada. Although the latter has been prohibited from 2022, the football governing body has previously barred nations from participating in the renowned sport. Since 1950, 17 countries have really been banned from the World Cup.
Countries FIFA Have Banned From World Cups
Japan and Germany, 1950
The World Cup returned in 1950 after a 12-year hiatus caused by World War II, although Germany and Japan were not allowed to compete because of their acts during the conflict.
South Africa, from 1970 to 1990
Due to the severe apartheid laws in place at the time, South Africa was prohibited from participating in the 1961 World Cup. They were banned from five World Cups beginning in 1970 and were formally kicked out of FIFA in 1976. In 1991, as apartheid was ending, the prohibition was abolished.
Mexico in the 1990s
Mexico received a two-year suspension from all FIFA tournaments for fielding four youngsters who were too young to compete in a global junior tournament qualifying round. This fell during the 1990 World Cup, but when the 1994 tournament rolled along, they were permitted to participate once more.
Chile in 1994
After goalie Roberto Rojas was discovered to have concealed a blade in his glove and cut himself during a 1989 match against Brazil, Chile was disqualified from the 1994 World Cup. He subsequently made up the story that he had been hurt by a fan’s flare. He received a lifelong football punishment as a result, and they were barred from the competition. In the end, it was lifted in 2001.
Myanmar (2006)
Myanmar has never made it to the World Cup, however they were prohibited from trying to enter the 2006 competition in Germany. After withdrawing from a 2002 competition qualifying match against Iran, they were disciplined. Since then, they have participated in every World Cup qualifying round.
2008 Iraq
FIFA prohibited Iraq from participating in major competitions after the country disbanded its national sports federations and Olympic committee. Soon later, the penalty was loosened.
Nigeria in 2014
FIFA suspended the Nigerian Football Federation in 2010. This resulted from the government meddling in the business of the federation. Nigeria was consequently disqualified from the 2014 World Cup.
Kuwait in 2015.
Like Nigeria, Kuwait has been banned several times for ‘political meddling’; the most recent ban occurred in 2015.
Indonesia in 2015.
FIFA banned Indonesia from participating in the World Cup qualifying stage for the same reason as Kuwait was disqualified for political meddling.
Guatemala, 2016
This has a recurrent motif. In 2016, Guatemala was again prohibited from participating in the World Cup because of additional political meddling.
Pakistan in the years 2017–2021–2025
FIFA has banned Pakistan several times, making it one of the most recent punishments. The regulating authority announced in a statement:
“The PFF [Pakistan Football Federation] has been suspended with immediate effect due to its failure to adopt a revision of the PFF Constitution that would ensure truly fair and democratic elections and thereby fulfil its obligations as mandated by FIFA as part of the ongoing normalisation process of PFF.”
Chad in 2021
The government’s meddling in the nation’s football organization prevented Chad, like so many countries before them, from playing international football and, consequently, the 2021 World Cup.
2022 and 2026 in Russia
Since 2022, Russia has been prohibited from participating in major international football competitions. They are not allowed to participate in any competitions, including two World Cups, since the country invaded Ukraine.
Zimbabwe in 2022
The government-appointed Sports and Recreation Commission suspended ZIFA in February 2022, preventing Zimbabwe from participating in international competitions.
Kenya in 2022
FIFA banned the country from major competitions after the Football Kenya Federation was dissolved due to accusations of financial misconduct. After the regulatory body’s requirements were fulfilled, the ban was eventually revoked.
Congo in 2025
FIFA just banned Congo from the World Cup because of third-party meddling in the Congolese Football Association’s internal affairs.
