The FIFA World Cup is the top of worldwide soccer, with nations all over the world dreaming of participation. Nevertheless, qualification shouldn’t be the one hurdle—some international locations have been outright banned from competing as a consequence of violations of FIFA rules.
Since 1950, FIFA has banned 17 nationwide groups from the event, often as a consequence of political interference, disciplinary violations, or extraordinary circumstances. As of 2025, three international locations—Russia, Congo, and Pakistan—are presently banned from the 2026 World Cup.
Historic World Cup bans (1950–Nineteen Nineties)
Germany & Japan (1950) – Fallout from World Battle II
After World Battle II, Germany and Japan had been barred from the primary post-war World Cup in 1950. Japan’s soccer affiliation was additionally briefly suspended, whereas Germany’s governing physique was dissolved and needed to be reformed earlier than rejoining worldwide soccer.
South Africa (1970–1990) – Apartheid exclusion
On account of its apartheid insurance policies, South Africa was initially suspended from FIFA in 1961 and later expelled in 1976 beneath stress from anti-apartheid campaigns. The ban was lifted in 1991 after apartheid ended, permitting South Africa to rejoin worldwide competitions.
Mexico (1990) – The “Cachirules” scandal
Mexico was disqualified from the 1990 World Cup after fielding 4 overage gamers in a youth event. FIFA handed the nation a two-year ban from all competitions, stopping them from collaborating in Italia ’90.
Chile (1994) – The Rojas incident
Chile was expelled from the 1994 World Cup after goalkeeper Roberto Rojas faked an harm in a 1989 qualifier in opposition to Brazil. He claimed to have been hit by a firework, however investigations revealed he had deliberately lower himself with a hidden blade. FIFA banned Rojas for all times (later lifted in 2001), and Chile was barred from the following World Cup.
Myanmar (2006) – Withdrawal from Qualifiers
Myanmar was banned from qualifying for the 2006 World Cup after refusing to play a scheduled 2002 qualifier in Iran. They had been additionally fined $23,500 for his or her withdrawal.
Fashionable bans (2008–Current)
Iraq (2008) – Political interference
Iraq was briefly suspended after its authorities dissolved the nation’s Olympic committee and sports activities federations. The ban was later lifted, permitting Iraq to return to worldwide soccer.
Nigeria (2014) – Authorities intervention
Nigeria confronted a short-lived FIFA suspension after its authorities interfered in soccer administration. The ban was rapidly reversed after compliance with FIFA rules.
Kuwait (2015) – Political interference
Kuwait was banned as a consequence of recurring political interference in its soccer affairs. The ban lasted till the nation made administrative adjustments.
Indonesia (2015) – Authorities in opposition to soccer federation
Indonesia confronted a FIFA ban as a consequence of authorities interference within the nation’s soccer federation, stopping them from participating within the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Guatemala (2016) – Governance points
Guatemala was suspended after FIFA accused its federation of corruption and improper governance. The ban was ultimately lifted.
Pakistan (2017, 2021 & 2025) – Repeated suspensions
Pakistan has been banned a number of instances as a consequence of governance disputes and exterior interference. Their most up-to-date suspension in 2025 means they may miss the 2026 World Cup.
Chad (2021) – Authorities interference
FIFA suspended Chad as a consequence of authorities management over its soccer federation, stopping the nation from collaborating in worldwide matches.
Russia (2022 & 2026) – Ukraine invasion fallout
Following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia was banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions, together with the 2022 World Cup. This ban has been prolonged by 2026, making Russia one of many three nations presently barred from competing.
Zimbabwe was suspended after its government-appointed Sports activities and Recreation Fee disbanded the nation’s soccer federation.
Kenya (2022) – Monetary mismanagement
Kenya was briefly banned as a consequence of monetary irregularities in its soccer administration however was later reinstated.
Congo (2025) – Newest ban for exterior interference
Congo was lately banned for governance points, making it one of many three groups presently ineligible for the 2026 World Cup.
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Publish date : 2025-02-18 14:06:00
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Publish date : 2025-02-19 02:58:59
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