Three countries have been barred from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, each for different reasons tied to politics and governance issues within their football structures.
Russia remains excluded from international football following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both FIFA and UEFA have maintained the suspension of the Russian Football Union (RFU), preventing its men’s and women’s teams, as well as domestic clubs, from taking part in competitions such as the World Cup and the European Championships. Russia was left out of the UEFA qualification draw conducted in December, where 54 other nations were placed into 12 groups to battle for qualification.
Congo has also been suspended by FIFA over what the body described as “a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties” in the affairs of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT). The decision followed joint FIFA and CAF fact-finding missions to Brazzaville. The suspension will remain until FECOFOOT regains full control of its headquarters, restores legitimate financial signatories, allows the work of an ad hoc committee, and ensures the federation’s independence from political influence.
Similarly, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) was suspended for failing to adopt a revised constitution aimed at enabling fair and democratic elections. FIFA announced that the sanction will not be lifted until Pakistan’s football congress approves the draft constitution prepared jointly with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Both Congo and Pakistan were already struggling in their qualification campaigns before the suspensions. Congo sit bottom of Group E in the African section, while Pakistan finished last in Group G of the Asian qualifiers.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with most matches scheduled to hold across 11 American cities. Defending champions Argentina, who triumphed at Qatar 2022 after defeating France in a dramatic penalty shootout, will lead the charge for glory in the expanded tournament.
Comments