Since 1950, FIFA has imposed bans on 17 different nations for violating its official regulations.
While some of these nations have since been reinstated, others remain suspended, including three that have been recently sanctioned due to serious circumstances ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As of February 2025, FIFA’s global rankings include 211 men’s national teams, while 194 nations compete in women’s international football.
However, several nations are currently prohibited from participating in FIFA-sanctioned tournaments.
Among them is Russia, which has been banned since February 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA and UEFA have maintained Russia’s exclusion from international competitions, extending the sanction through to the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Additionally, FIFA has recently suspended the football federations of Pakistan and Congo, effectively barring them from participating in the USA, Canada, and Mexico-hosted tournament.
FIFA’s decision was based on what it referred to as “serious circumstances,” though the governing body has not provided detailed public explanations.
Over the years, FIFA has banned countries primarily due to political interference, mismanagement, or other severe violations of regulations.
Since 2006 alone, 17 nations have faced bans, with some later being reinstated.
Historical FIFA Bans
Germany and Japan (1950 World Cup)
Germany and Japan were prohibited from participating in the 1950 FIFA World Cup, primarily due to their roles in World War II.
Furthermore, the Japan Football Association was suspended in 1945 after failing to meet financial obligations, while Germany’s football federation was disbanded entirely.
Neither nation was restructured in time for the tournament.
South Africa (1970–1990 World Cups)
Due to its apartheid policies, South Africa was formally suspended by FIFA in 1961.
Despite resistance from then-FIFA President Sir Stanley Rous, the nation was expelled from FIFA entirely in 1976 following the election of Joao Havelange as president.
The ban remained in place until 1991, when apartheid was dismantled, and a new football federation was established.
Although the country was not officially banned from playing World Cup tournaments until 1970, it had already been effectively excluded from international football.
Mexico (1990 World Cup)
Mexico faced a two-year ban from FIFA competitions after it was discovered that the nation had fielded four overage players in an underage tournament.
As a result, Mexico was unable to participate in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, which was ultimately won by West Germany.
Chile (1994 World Cup)
Chile received a suspension from the 1994 World Cup due to a scandal involving their goalkeeper, Roberto Rojas.
During a match against Brazil, Rojas falsely claimed he had been struck by a flare thrown by a spectator.
However, an investigation revealed that he had deliberately cut himself using a hidden blade inside his glove.
FIFA responded by banning Rojas for life and excluding Chile from the 1994 tournament.
Myanmar (2006 World Cup)
Myanmar, which has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, was banned from participating in the qualifiers for the 2006 tournament.
The country was also fined $23,500 after it withdrew from a scheduled 2002 World Cup qualifier in Iran.
Recent FIFA Bans
Other nations that have been subjected to FIFA bans in recent years include:
Russia (Banned from the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 due to the invasion of Ukraine)
Iraq (Banned in 2008 and 2009)
Nigeria (2014)
Kuwait (2015)
Indonesia (2015)
Guatemala (2016)
Pakistan (Banned in 2017, 2021, and 2025)
Chad (2021)
Zimbabwe (2022)
Kenya (2022)
Congo (2025)
While some of these bans have been lifted over time, others remain in place, preventing the affected nations from participating in international football events, including the 2026 World Cup.
