17 Countries Banned From FIFA World Cups [Full List]

Published

1 year 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.

EPL: Chelsea Set To Sanction First Summer Transfer Under Alonso

Published

16 minutes ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Chelsea are set to sanction their first summer transfer under their new manager, Xabi Alonso.

According to the BBC Sport, the Blues are ‘open’ to selling Filip Jorgensen this summer after the goalkeeper indicated his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

Jorgensen joined the Premier League west London club two seasons ago from Villarreal.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper was expected to compete for the number one position with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but he made just 11 Premier League appearances over the two seasons.

However, while the arrival of Alonso to Stamford Bridge could lead to a change in fortunes for Jorgensen, the report added that the Danish star has already expressed his desire to leave Chelsea this summer to get more regular playing game-time elsewhere.

Chelsea had blocked a potential exit for Jorgensen in the January transfer window, but the Premier League west London club are now open to a sale, with European and English clubs expected to explore a deal for the goalkeeper.

Sports

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.