FIFA Banned Countries: Nations Suspended from International Football Since 1950

The governing body of world football, FIFA Banned Countries countries from competitions since 1950, mainly due to violations of its official regulations. Such suspensions are also appealed to political interference, financial mismanagement, or ethical violations. Among them, three countries, namely Russia, Pakistan, and Congo, are currently suspended due to grave circumstances ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

In this blog, we will outline behind-the-scenes reasons for these sanctions by having a look at their effects on world football, as well as going over how some of these countries resurfaced in international competitions.

Current FIFA Suspensions Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

As of February 2025, FIFA’s latest bans include:

• Russia – Suspended since 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. FIFA and UEFA upheld this ban, ruling them out of the 2026 World Cup.
• Pakistan – Suspended in 2025 due to third-party interference in the Pakistan Football Federation.
• Congo – Banned in 2025 due to administrative and governance issues within its football federation.

These countries are currently ineligible for FIFA tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Historical FIFA Bans: Countries Suspended Since 1950

Germany & Japan (1950 World Cup Ban)

Both Germany and Japan were banned from the 1950 FIFA World Cup as a consequence of their involvement in World War II. Additionally, the Japan Football Association was suspended in 1945 due to unpaid dues, while Germany’s football federation was completely disbanded until after the tournament.

South Africa (1970-1990 World Cup Ban)

South Africa was suspended by FIFA in 1961 due to the country’s apartheid policies. However, FIFA president Sir Stanley Rous resisted calls for complete expulsion until his successor João Havelange permanently banned South Africa in 1976.

The ban lasted until 1991, after the end of apartheid, when South Africa was readmitted.

Mexico (1990 World Cup Ban)

Mexico was banned from FIFA tournaments for two years after fielding four overage players during a world junior tournament. This suspension caused them to miss the 1990 World Cup, which was won by West Germany.

Chile (1994 World Cup Ban)

Chile’s ban stemmed from a scandal involving goalkeeper Roberto Rojas, who used a hidden blade to cut himself during a match against Brazil. He falsely claimed a flare thrown by a fan caused the injury. FIFA discovered the deception and banned Rojas for life, also disqualifying Chile from the 1994 World Cup.

📷 Alt Text: Chile was banned from the 1994 World Cup after goalkeeper Roberto Rojas faked an injury.

Myanmar (2006 World Cup Ban)

Myanmar was banned from the 2006 World Cup qualifiers after pulling out of a 2002 World Cup qualifying match against Iran. FIFA fined them $23,500 and excluded them from future qualifiers.

Other FIFA Banned Countries

More Recent Suspensions (2008-2025)

Several other nations have faced temporary bans due to government interference, financial mismanagement, or match-fixing scandals.

FIFA’s bans serve as a strong reminder that political and administrative integrity is crucial in football. While many nations have been reinstated after addressing governance concerns, others remain suspended, missing out on major tournaments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With three nations—Russia, Pakistan, and Congo—still under suspension, the road to their return remains uncertain.

🔔 Stay Updated: Follow our blog for the latest FIFA bans, international football news, and 2026 World Cup updates!

📢 Which ban shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments!