The country was denied membership in one of the six major confederations.
One of the world’s largest countries has been barred from qualifying for the World Cup after being rejected as an associated member.
Two countries have already been excluded from competing in the United States because their respective federations withdrew from the qualifying procedure.
Eritrea has not played an international match since 2020, with their organization routinely canceling games owing to stated fears that players may flee.
Congo withdrew from qualification after its federation, FECOFOOT, was suspended by FIFA in February. The suspension was eventually lifted, but it was too late for the country to requalify.
Another nation’s ‘hope’ of playing in a future World Cup has been dashed after its bid to join CONCACAF was rejected.
According to Statista, Greenland is the world’s 12th-largest country in terms of square kilometers.
It is bigger than the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany combined.
However, with a population of 56,583, it ranks as the world’s 210th most populous country.
The reason for this is that the country’s frigid temperatures sometimes exceed -20°C during the winter months.
Approximately 80% of the land is covered with ice and snow, making it inhabitable.
Greenland has historically fielded a national football squad that competes in non-FIFA games.
They play friendlies against domestic teams from all across Europe on a regular basis, and they sent a squad to the most recent Island Games.
They defeated Gibraltar twice in the 1990s, however although Gibraltar joined UEFA in 2013, Greenland is still awaiting membership to CONCACAF.
While Greenland is politically a part of Europe (it is an autonomous region under the Kingdom of Denmark), it is also part of the North American continent, which is why it has applied to CONCACAF for recognition.
However, CONCACAF announced that the application had been ‘unanimously denied’.
“Based on a thorough assessment conducted by the Concacaf administration and Council, and in accordance with Concacaf Statutes, the Member Associations reviewed the membership application submitted by the Greenlandic Football Association and unanimously rejected it.”
In reaction, Greenland FA chairman Kenneth Kleist stated on Facebook: “We’ve sought a meeting this month with [Concacaf] general secretary Philippe Moggio, so we can debate the rejection and the process, as we have various complaints on the system that was employed.
Greenland FA (KAK) statement on CONCACAF’s rejecting of their membership application. (Image: Facebook/KAK)
“We have had clubs, other specialist bodies, legislators, and Greenlandic football ambassadors commit to this application.
“We’ve established a highly comprehensive strategy for all teams across all age categories, as well as for training coaches, referees, and leaders, not to mention mapping infrastructure, financing, marketing, sponsorships, opponent and official rights and conditions.
“This represents years of work, which has been dismissed without further explanation.”
Speaking in February, Kleist remarked of remarks made by US President Donald Trump, in which he announced his plans to purchase Greenland: ‘”In some ways, it’s hurting our case slightly. There are a lot of media asking Concacaf and us about Trump.
“But in the big picture, I think it’s good for us because everybody’s talking about what’s next for Greenland.”
National team coach Morten Rutkjaer remarked, “We are on par with other small nations in Concacaf – in terms of structure and quality of play.” That’s why we’re surprised we haven’t been given the opportunity to show ourselves, such as through a two-year associate agreement, which Concacaf has the ability to do.”
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