FIFA Bans Three Countries from 2026 World Cup
FIFA has suspended Pakistan and Congo from international football, ruling them out of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. These bans add to the existing suspension of Russia, bringing the total number of excluded nations to three.
The World Cup, held every four years, is set to return in summer 2026, with reigning champions Argentina looking to defend their title. Top contenders like France, England, now under new coach Thomas Tuchel and Euro 2024 winners Spain will also be in the race for football’s biggest prize.
Why Were These Countries Banned?
FIFA cited “serious circumstances” as the reason for suspending Pakistan and Congo, both of which are now barred from international competitions.
• Pakistan’s Ban: The country was suspended for failing to implement a new football constitution that ensures fair and democratic elections within its football governing body. FIFA had previously sanctioned the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) in 2017 and 2021 for similar governance issues. The suspension will remain until the PFF Congress approves the revised constitution presented by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
• Congo’s Ban: While FIFA has not publicly detailed the reasons for Congo’s suspension, the country was already struggling in its World Cup qualification campaign, sitting at the bottom of Group E in the CAF qualifiers.
Russia’s Ongoing Ban
Russia has been barred from international football since 2022, following its invasion of Ukraine. FIFA and UEFA have upheld the restriction, keeping Russian teams out of major tournaments.
With FIFA maintaining a strict stance on governance and compliance, it remains uncertain whether Pakistan and Congo can meet the required conditions in time for reinstatement.