The FIFA World Cup represents the pinnacle of international football, with nations across the globe vying for a chance to compete. However, not all countries are eligible to participate—not just because of tough qualifications but also due to FIFA-imposed bans.
In recent developments, Pakistan and Congo were added to the growing list of nations banned from the prestigious tournament, preventing them from competing in the 2026 World Cup. While Russia has been banned since 2022, this is not the first time FIFA has imposed such restrictions. Since 1950, 17 countries have faced bans from the World Cup, a consequence of various actions ranging from political interference to violations of FIFA’s governance standards.
Here is the full list of countries that have been banned from the World Cup:
- Germany & Japan (1950): Both countries were banned from the 1950 World Cup due to their wartime actions following World War II.
- South Africa (1970–1990): Expelled from FIFA in 1976 because of its apartheid policies, South Africa missed five World Cups before being reinstated in 1991, after apartheid ended.
- Mexico (1990): Banned for two years after fielding overage players in a youth tournament, Mexico missed the 1990 World Cup.
- Chile (1994): After goalkeeper Roberto Rojas faked an injury in a 1989 match against Brazil, Chile was banned. Rojas was given a lifetime ban, later lifted in 2001.
- Myanmar (2006): Barred from qualifying after withdrawing from a 2002 qualifier against Iran.
- Iraq (2008): Temporarily suspended after dissolving its Olympic committee and sports federations.
- Nigeria (2014): Suspended for government interference in its football federation.
- Kuwait (2015): Banned for political interference in football administration, a recurring issue in the country’s football management.
- Indonesia (2015): Suspended for the same reasons as Kuwait—political interference in football governance.
- Guatemala (2016): Banned due to government interference in football matters.
- Pakistan (2017, 2021 & 2025): Suspended multiple times due to governance issues within its football federation.
- Chad (2021): Barred for government interference in football affairs.
- Russia (2022 & 2026): Banned following the invasion of Ukraine, preventing Russia from competing in two World Cups.
- Zimbabwe (2022): Suspended after the government-appointed Sports and Recreation Commission dissolved the country’s football federation.
- Kenya (2022): Banned due to financial mismanagement within its football federation; later reinstated.
- Congo (2025): Recently banned due to external interference in its football federation.
These bans serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining fair governance and the integrity of football, with countries being held accountable for political and administrative issues that violate FIFA’s standards.
