The FIFA World Cup Is the tip of international football, with nations around the world that dreams of participation. Qualification, however, is not the only obstacle – some countries have been completely prohibited from competing Due to violations of the FIFA regulations.
Since 1950, FIFA has banned 17 national teams from the tournament, usually due to political involvement, disciplinary violations or extraordinary circumstances. From 2025, three countries –Russia, Congo and Pakistan– is currently prohibited from 2026 World Cup.
Historical World Cup ban (1950–1990)
- Germany & Japan (1950) – Fallout from World War II
After the Second World War, Germany and Japan were prevented from the First World Cup after the 1950 war. Japan’s Football Association was also temporarily interrupted, while Germany’s governing bodies were dissolved and must be reformed before returning to international football.
- South Africa (1970–1990) – Apartheid -Auting
Due to its apartheid policy, South Africa was originally discontinued from FIFA in 1961 and was expelled later in 1976 under pressure from anti-Apartheid campaigns. The ban was lifted in 1991 after Apartheid was completed, which allowed South Africa to join international competitions again.
- Mexico (1990) – “Cachirules” scandal
Mexico was disqualified from the 1990 -World Cup after having fields four overlay players in a youth tournament. FIFA handed over the country a two -year ban from all competitions and prevented them from participating in Italia ’90.
- Chile (1994) – Rojas incident
Chile was assured from the 1994 World Cup after goalkeeper Roberto Rojas forged an injury in a qualifying in 1989 against Brazil. He claimed to have suffered a fireworks, but the investigations revealed that he had intentionally cut himself with a hidden leaf. FIFA banned Rojas for life (later lifted in 2001), and Chile was hindered from the next World Cup.
- Myanmar (2006) – withdrawal from qualifying
Myanmar was banned from qualifying for the 2006 World Cup after refusing to play a scheduled 2002 qualification in Iran. They were also fined $ 23,500 for their withdrawal.
Modern Bans (2008 – Present)
- Iraq (2008) – political intervention
Iraq was temporarily suspended after its government dissolved the country’s Olympic committee and sports associations. The ban was later abolished, which allowed Iraq to return to international football.
- Nigeria (2014) – Government’s intervention
Nigeria met a short-lived Fifa suspension after its government disturbed the football administration. The ban was quickly reversed after compliance with FIFA regulations.
- Kuwait (2015) – Political intervention
Kuwait was banned due to recurring political involvement in its football issues. The ban lasted until the country made administrative changes.
- Indonesia (2015) – Government against the Football Association
Indonesia met a FIFA ban because of the government’s involvement in the country’s football association and prevented them from participating in the 2018 World Cup.
- Guatemala (2016) – Governance issues
Guatemala was canceled after FIFA accused his federation of corruption and incorrect control. The ban was eventually revoked.
- Pakistan (2017, 2021 & 2025) – Repeated shutdowns
Pakistan has been banned several times due to control disputes and external involvement. Their latest suspension in 2025 means they will miss the World Cup 2026.
- Chad (2021) – Government’s involvement
FIFA interrupted Chad because of government control over its football association and prevented the country from participating in international matches.
- Russia (2022 & 2026) – Ukraine Invasion Fallout
After the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia was banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions, including the World Cup 2022. This ban has been expanded until 2026, making Russia one of the three nations currently excluded from competing.
- Zimbabwe (2022) – Resolution of Football Association
Zimbabwe was canceled after its government-mentioned sports and recreation commission dissolved the country’s football association.
- Kenya (2022) – Economic Misunderstanding
Kenya was temporarily banned due to financial irregularities in her football administration but was later reintroduced.
- Congo (2025) – Latest ban on external intervention
Congo was recently banned for board issues, which made it one of the three teams that are currently not eligible for the World Cup 2026.
