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.

SWAN Kicks Off 60th Anniversary/Awards With Religious Services

Published

2 days ago

October 23, 2025

Editor

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to hold its 60th anniversary with Jumat Prayer and Thanksgiving on Friday October 24, 2025.

A statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the anniversary said the special prayer and thanksgiving will be held in all the state chapters and FCT at the venues which would be determined by the leadership of the various chapters.

According to the statement, the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will also feature the full council which is a meeting of the National Executive Council, zonal vice presidents and secretaries and state chairmen and secretaries.

The committee, while inviting “government functionaries, lovers of sports, members of the association and the general public to join SWAN members at the services to thank God for a successful 60-year journey,” added: “All activities at the event will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.”

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for protection of members, better sports fortuneNigeria’s sports men and women and a more prosperous sports sector,” it said.

Sports

EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Published

7 days ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, climbing three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result marked another composed and professional display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to show their title credentials.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Leandro Trossard calmly finished after a clever set-piece routine.

Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner that was flicked on by Gabriel, setting up Trossard to slot home the winner.

Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout, limiting Fulham to very few chances in front of goal.

The hosts struggled to create any real threat, with Arsenal’s defence staying compact and composed.

With the victory, Arsenal overtake Manchester City to sit three points clear at the summit after another disciplined away performance.

More to follow…

Sports

EPL: Nottingham Forest Sacks Postecoglou After 3-0 Defeat To Chelsea

Published

7 days ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou barely minutes after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

A statement from the Premier league club, released 20 minutes after full-time at the City Ground, reads: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.

“The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Postecoglou was in charge for eight games and six of those ended in defeat.

It included an early Carabao Cup exit at Championship club Swansea City, when Forest led 2-1 in the 92nd minute before conceding two in four minutes to lose 3-2.

The other two games – away at Burnley (Premier League) and Real Betis (Europa League) ended in draws.