17 Countries Banned From FIFA World Cups [Full List]

Published

8 months ago

February 13, 2025

The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football as countries dream of competing in it.

However, not every country gets a chance to take part — not just because of tough qualification but also due to FIFA bans.

Over the years, FIFA has barred several countries from the tournament.

Recently, Pakistan and Congo were added to the list alongside Russia, preventing them from competing in the 2026 World Cup.

While Russia has been banned since 2022, this isn’t the first time FIFA has taken such action.

Since 1950, 17 countries have faced bans from the World Cup.

Countries FIFA Has Banned

Germany & Japan (1950): After World War II, both countries were banned from the 1950 World Cup as a consequence of their wartime actions.

South Africa (1970–1990): Banned due to its apartheid policies, South Africa was expelled from FIFA in 1976 and missed five World Cups. The ban was lifted in 1991 as apartheid ended.

Mexico (1990): Punished for fielding overage players in a youth tournament, Mexico was barred from all FIFA competitions for two years, missing the 1990 World Cup.

Chile (1994): Banned after goalkeeper Roberto Rojas faked an injury in a 1989 match against Brazil. He was given a lifetime ban, later lifted in 2001.

Myanmar (2006): Barred from qualifying after pulling out of a 2002 qualifier against Iran.

Iraq (2008): Temporarily banned after dissolving its Olympic committee and sports federations.

Nigeria (2014): Suspended due to government interference in its football federation.

Kuwait (2015): Barred for political interference, a recurring issue in their football administration.

Indonesia (2015): Suspended for the same reason as Kuwait.

Guatemala (2016): Banned due to government interference in football affairs.

Pakistan (2017, 2021 & 2025): Suspended multiple times over governance issues in its football federation.

Chad (2021): Barred due to government interference in football matters.

Russia (2022 & 2026): Banned following the invasion of Ukraine, preventing them 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 in its football federation; later reinstated.

Congo (2025): Recently barred over external interference in its football federation.

UCL: ‘If You’re The Best Show It’ – Ramos Slams Lamine Yamal

Published

23 minutes ago

October 3, 2025

Editor

Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain has slammed Barcelona stars, Lamine Yamal and Pedri over comments before their Champions League clash on Tuesday.

Before the game, the Barça players were in a bullish mood with Yamal posting a somewhat teasing message on his Instagram Story.

In the post, the young Spain international was seen sitting on a railing and wearing the Spain jersey, with the caption, “Pressure?”

The best young footballer in the world went on to post, “I’m back and the mission is back too.”

His teammate, Pedri also echoed the confidence during the news conference ahead of the game.

He said “It was a tough game and we want to avenge that defeat,” he talked about PSG’s win over Barça in the Champions League final last season.

However, they were made to eat their words as PSG beat in front of their fans.

Ramos, who was one of the scorers of the goals told reporters, “We’re the European champions, I can’t say more than that. If you’re the best, you have to show it on the pitch, not talk.”

Ramos’ teammate Vitinha, added, “We don’t give a damn. We don’t care, we just want to play the match, we won, and we’re happy about that.”

EPL: Paul Merson Predicts Chelsea vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Other Fixtures

Published

24 minutes ago

October 3, 2025

Editor

Former Arsenal player, Paul Merson has predicted the Premier League games taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Bournemouth will tackle Fulham at the Vitality Stadium on Friday night, while Manchester United will face Sunderland on Saturday.

Chelsea will take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, while Arsenal will take on West Ham United at Emirates Stadium.

Brentford will tackle Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Sunday, while Everton will take on Crystal Palace.

Stating his predictions, Merson said via Sportskeeda:

Bournemouth 2-1 Fulham
Leeds United 2-2 Tottenham
Arsenal 3-0 West Ham
Man United 2-0 Sunderland
Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
Aston Villa 2-0 Burnley
Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace
Newcastle United 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Wolves 1-2 Brighton
Brentford 1-2 Manchester City